May 31, 20214 min read

10 Adventures You Can Only Have in America

Updated: Jan 4, 2023

The United States of America is big - very big! It’s large even before accounting for snowy Alaska and tropical Hawaii.

The hard-knock East coast cities of New York and Boston give way to endless forests, snow-capped peaks, and dusty deserts all the way to the sunny beaches of California. There are uniquely American adventures to be had in all four corners of this immense country. So even if you’re an American citizen, check out these 10 adventures you can only have in the United States; I bet there’s at least one thing on here that you haven’t done yet!

Be amazed at the Grand Canyon:

Photo Credit: Grand Canyon National Park

There’s nowhere on earth where Mother Nature can be seen at its most dramatic than the Grand Canyon. The canyon stretches 18 miles across and is over a mile deep - its impressive to say the least. Don’t just stare down at it though. Circle overhead by helicopter, paddle along the Colorado River or pretend that you’re a cowboy and gallop along the rim on horseback.

Search for alligators in the Everglades:

Photo Credit: Everglades National Park Service

The Florida Everglades is full of wildlife but, there’s one animal that draws most people to the grassy wetlands. Is there anything that gets your heart racing more than tearing down the waterways on an airboat in search of gators? Probably not. Just make sure that you don’t fall in 😉.

Surf in the birthplace of the sport:

Photo Credit: IStock

Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing. For surfers, the consistent swells on the remote islands are the ultimate experience and many seek to go at least once for the surfing experience. If you don’t know how to surf, no worries. There are plenty of classes that will teach you how to pop up.

Drive along Route 66:

Photo Credit: Nyokki

Route 66 is one of the most iconic roads in America since it was one of the first highways in America’s history. Although it’s no longer a national highway, this almost 2,500-mile road stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles. Stop at classic roadside diners and catch a glimpse of cheesy attractions along the way. Bonus: take this drive in an open-top!

Watch bears in Katmai:

Photo Credit: Tara Young / Alaska Dispatch News

Bears rumbling nearby will humble you really quick. In Alaska's Katmai National Park, there are more than 2,200 bears lumbering around – fishing for food, play-fighting and lounging around by the river. While they may look sweet and cuddly, you’re best off leaving your selfie stick at the hotel.

Go horseback riding on a ranch:

Photo Credit: Sorrel River Ranch

There’s nothing new about ranch holidays. “City folk” have been heading off on horseback riding adventures for more than a century. Get your boots on and saddle up to go galloping through one of the country’s many cattle ranches. Even if you don’t have experience riding, you can still enjoy a ranch. Many of the ranches teach horseback riding skills.

Hike in the world's first national park:

Photo Credit: Karen Hastings

Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park, and it’s like no other. While it’s possible to get a taste of the park in a day, you can’t beat camping in the great wilderness. Hop on one of the group adventures tours and you could be tracking wolves, spotting bison and gazing at moose, as well as getting up close to some of the old favorites like the geysers. At night, enjoy a sky full of stars like you’ve never seen before.

Hike the Appalachian Trail:

Photo Credit: Frank Debonis

Not many of us have got the time nor the stamina to take on the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail which stretches from Georgia far into Maine. If you’re up to the challenge, you’ll join the few to have taken on the world’s longest marked trail. If you can’t take on the full extent of the trail, there are some awesome trail legs which can take from a few hours to a few days. Pro tip: Make sure you have a great pair of walking boots.

Feel the spray of Niagara Falls:

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most visited natural wonders. Grab a ticket, put on the plastic poncho, hop on one of the boats and get so close to this towering waterfall that you can feel the spray on your face. Waterproof phone covers are mandatory.

Ride the Big Sur Coast Highway in California:

There are few things more synonymous with America than riding a Harley down the scenic California Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Don’t make any detours from the Big Sur Highway, an almost 100-mile stretch of spectacular road that hugs the rocky coastline between San Simeon and Carmel. Stop en route to spot migrating whales and snap some seriously Instagram-worthy photos of the bays. Now while I won’t be on a chopper, I will be making this drive as a part of my upcoming vacation – stay tuned for details from the trip!