Welcome to the world of wanderlust, where every step leads you to a new adventure and each journey unravels an exciting chapter in your life.
As passionate travelers ourselves, we understand the thrill that comes with exploring uncharted territories and immersing oneself into diverse cultures. This is why we’ve put together this list of our personal favorite places around the United States.
We will take you on a virtual tour across some truly enchanting corners of this country, sharing insights about their main attractions along with what makes them unique and interesting – be it their historical significance or natural beauty or cultural vibrancy.
Travel meaningfully and cheap across the USA
Before we delve into our favorite places to visit in the US, let us suggest you a revolutionary way of travel:Â volunteering.
Volunteering in the US while you travel means that you can do a work exchange in which you participate in local projects by helping a few hours a day in exchange of accommodation and -most of times- food and other benefits like free activities. Â
From hostels in bustling cities to organic farms and holistic centers surrounded by nature, there are so many different opportunities out there looking for volunteers!
But volunteering it’s not just about saving money while traveling; it’s about immersing yourself into local culture, making meaningful connections, and having life-changing experiences.
In essence, being a volunteer is an exciting chance to live uniquely enriching experiences off-the-beaten-path where you can make a positive impact.
To join, you just need to subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions, until you are ready to get verified in order to contact local hosts.Â
Our favorite places to visit in the US
In no particular order, here is our selection of 20 favorite places that inspire us to travel far and wide across the United States…
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Nestled within California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is widely considered one of the most beautiful national parks in the US,Â
Famed for its awe-inspiring granite cliffs, towering sequoia trees, crystal-clear streams, and diverse wildlife – Yosemite offers an unparalleled experience to all who visit.
The park boasts over 800 miles of hiking trails catering to various skill levels. For adrenaline junkies, there are challenging hikes like the one leading up to Half Dome or rock climbing adventures on El Capitan’s vertical face. But if a peaceful stroll amidst stunning landscapes is more your speed, then meandering paths such as those found in Tuolumne Meadows await you.
2. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park might be one of the smaller in the United States, but is packed with natural beauty.
The park’s most iconic feature is the Zion Canyon, carved over millions of years by the Virgin River. The emerald pools formed along this river offer serene spots perfect for picnics or simply basking in nature’s glory. For those seeking adrenaline-filled experiences, hiking up Angel’s Landing or through The Narrows are must-do activities that reward you with unforgettable views.
Beyond these well-known attractions, Zion also boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife including mule deer, golden eagles and even mountain lions! It’s not uncommon to spot these creatures while exploring the many trails crisscrossing the park.
Apart from its physical allurements, Zion holds cultural significance too. Ancient native tribes like Anasazi and Paiute once inhabited these lands leaving behind intriguing petroglyphs as silent testimonies to their existence here thousands of years ago.
3. Sedona, Arizona
Known as one of America’s most powerful spiritual centers, Sedona is famous for its vortexes – swirling centers of energy conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Hiking trails such as the Cathedral Rock Trail lead to them.
These naturally occurring phenomena make Sedona an ideal destination for those looking to connect deeply with themselves and nature.
The city certainly has a lot of things to do as well. There’s a thriving arts culture, with 23 art galleries, as well as a great food scene.
Sedona is on our list of 10 best offbeat places to visit in the USA and 33 amazing places to travel in the US.
If you want to spend some time discovering the region, there are many opportunities to volunteer in Arizona through Worldpackers, like this one to help with hiking trail building at a Buddhist retreat center in Bowie.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is very proud of its health-centered culture, and there are numerous spa and wellness activities for visitors, from rooftop yoga to outdoor tubs with relaxing mountain views to exciting salt cave spas. This destination is the perfect place to nurture your body and mind!
Keeping with the wellness focus, the food scene in Asheville, affectionately referred to as “Foodtopia” by the locals, puts a heavy emphasis on farm to table dining, priding itself on serving delicious and innovative dishes made from the freshest of ingredients.
Here you’ll also find one of the highest rates of local breweries per capita in the United States, with 17 breweries for every 50,000 people, and many local wineries and vineyards available to tour.
And if all of that wasn’t enough, there are the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains themselves to enjoy.
Check out Worldpackers’ hosts in and near Asheville for what’s sure to be a fun, relaxing experience!
5. Mendocino, California
Mendocino is an underexplored coastal town in California offering dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches.
It is not the beach town you are looking for if you want a fancy experience like in the South of California, but it is perfect if you love scenic views and hiking. Visit the iconic Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, or take a scenic drive along Highway 1 for stunning ocean views.
Live like a local in Mendocino by helping this family with simple house chores and kid projects.
