9 Locations That You Need to Visit This Year:
America is home to so many enchanting landscapes, that you would need multiple lives to see everything. From the vibrant forests of the Pacific Northwest to the coastlines of Maine, there are so many things worth visiting, that you’ll feel like packing your bags right now and starting a beautiful journey!
Think about all the forests that look as if they were taken out of a Stephen King novel. Or, probably the best example is the waterfall that’s technically made out of the fire. Yes, you’ll find all of it in America and many other surreal destinations. They will definitely leave you in awe, so we’ve decided to convince you in a few words which places are worth visiting.
Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California
Where to book the flight: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
If you want to see the full “Firefall” effect of this spectacular fall, you need to go there mid-to-late February. Even if there’s such a short window of time, the attraction receives a huge amount of attention from various tourists, so you need to be very careful when you plan it.
The Horsetail Fall graciously flows over the edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley, and on each and every sunset in February, it seems as if the waterfall glows orange, looking like a lava flow. To make the trip, you need to purchase a parking permit or even hike to the fall.
However, bear in mind that if you arrive at sunset, the walk back might turn out to be dark and icy, so be sure you’re fully prepared for those conditions.
Mono Lake, California
Where to book the flight: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH)
Speaking of sunsets, another astonishing place where you could catch a wonderful sunset is in the saline soda lake in Mono County, California. What’s absolutely wonderful about this place is not only the beautiful landscape but also the fact that it has had a very productive ecosystem for centuries.
The landscape is so unique because of the limestone formations, which are also known as tufa towers, that rise out of the lake. If you want to make more than a rapid pit-stop, then you should definitely indulge yourself in one of the most natural walks, meant to educate the visitors about the wildlife and beautiful structures of Mono Lake.
After a full day of experiencing everything that Mono Lake has to offer, simply unwind in your own personal mountaintop sauna at one of the most luxurious places in the area: Heidelberg Inn.
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Where to book the flight: Salt Lake International Airport (SLC)
These expansive salt flats, which are located west of the Great Salt Lake, formed when Lake Bonneville dried up completely. It left a huge land mass of salt stretching in every single direction. Tourists can easily access the area via a rest stop which can be found right outside these flats.
You can walk across the salt, or just admire the true beauty of this area, surrounded by huge mountains and the Utah desert. You could also take a trip right across the border, and stay at Nevada’s Montego Bay Resort, a famous posh hotel with all kinds of fun games.
Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee
Where to book the flight: Knoxville McGee-Tyson Airport (TYS)
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is right at the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, showing off endless panoramic views of the beautiful mountains and forests in the region. Besides the abundance of black bears, the region is rich in historic homes and churches that remind visitors of the true Southern Appalachian mountain culture.
If you want to watch one of the most astonishing sights in the country, make sure you visit the Blue Ridge Parkway, which spreads over 469 miles along the rugged crags of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Glass Beach, Fort Bragg, California
Where to book the flight: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
In Fort Bragg, California, you’ll see some of the most impressive beaches in the entire country. As the name implies, it’s a sea glass that has been formed by years of trash dumped along the coastline. There are three glass beaches in Fort Bragg, and they’re extremely easy to access on foot.
Visitors can easily search for sapphire gems that were made from apothecary bottles. Funny or not, it serves as a great testament to the famous saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” If you want to “taste” the true feeling of California’s past, go to Jenny’s Giant Burger, a local retro burger joint located along the coastline.
The Wave, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, Arizona
Where to book the flight: McCarren International Airport (LAS)
This nicely-colored sandstone that stretches across many regions of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in Arizona is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic choices on the list. The rich colors were made by old deposits of iron, and the walls are beautifully casting a glow across the canyons.
The average hike usually takes around six hours, and it’s highly recommended that hikers pack for an entire day, and protect themselves from the heat. On a daily basis, no more than 10 walk-in hikers are allowed there, so if you’re interested in visiting the Wave up close, you have to apply to an online lottery system. For some of the most magnificent views of the desert, you could book your stay at the Page Boy Motel in Page, Arizona.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Where to book the flight: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
The beauty of this national park attracts so many visitors every year, with each and every one of them wishing to stroll through the striking rugged land made by the wonderful and vast geologic deposits. Whether you decide to hike through the badlands or simply enjoy the view of the Milky Way, the national park has some of the most interesting activities in the west.
You could also travel deeper into the beautiful plains of South Dakota, and book your stay at the Triangle Ranch Bed and Breakfast, where you’ll find all that old western history and hospitality in one place.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Where to book the flight: Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
Grand Teton National Park offers one of the most beautiful sights of rugged Wyoming we love so much. It has so many wonderful things that are worth of visit, from its fascinating wildlife to serene lakes and alpine terrains.
With over 200 miles of hiking trails, the park is ideal for anyone passionate about outdoor activities. And for those of you who don’t want to hike the entire itinerary, you could stay in Jackson Hole, where you’ll find some of the most entertaining activities, such as visiting the Old West shopfronts or the local art at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Adirondack Mountains, New York
Where to book the flight: Burlington International Airport (BTV)
Are you looking for the ideal cozy weekend getaway? Because there’s absolutely no place better than the Adirondack Mountains, where you can find the wild and pristine landscapes beautifully blended together in every little town. And if you decide to visit the region, you have to see all the panoramic views at the Wild Walk, a famous trail towering over the treetops, or even go kayaking on Lake George.
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