The Ultimate USA Travel Bucket List

What if you were told you were going to set out tomorrow on the ultimate trip around the USA? Where would you go? What would you do? How would you possibly distill the diverse American experience down into a realistically doable list of things to see and things to do? Well, we've gotten a start on the list for you, with the following 50 suggestions all sure to offer an authentic slice of America.

Our music has moved the world-and some spots have played an outsized role in its journey. Memphis and the Mississippi Delta is the cradle of the blues; Nashville is country music central; New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. Visit any one of these cities for amazing live music and to dive into the history of these all-American genres.

There's nowhere on the planet like the bright lights and bustle of the Big Apple. You're sure to be swept off your feet when you scale the Empire State Building, use Times Square as a backdrop for a selfie, eat your way around the globe at the city's tapestry of neighborhoods, see a show on Broadway, take in the world-leading galleries and museums, and visit Ellis Island to meet the Statue of Liberty.

On the other side of the country, Southern California offers a laid back, tanned take on American life. Start out in a beach town somewhere between San Diego and LA, watching sunsets, sipping craft beer and downing fish tacos before making for Los Angeles to take in all the glamour and must-sees of the world's entertainment mecca.

A wonderland of geothermal marvels, diverse wildlife and wondrous Western landscapes, Yellowstone was the USA's first national park and is still arguably its best.

The USA may share these gorgeous falls with Canada, but owning half is still worthy of bragging rights. Take a cruise on the legendary Maid of the Mist for the ultimate Niagara Falls experience, one where you might get soaked, but you're sure to leave with a smile.

California is a world leader when it comes to wine and sipping some at the source is a sensational travel experience. Napa and Sonoma are the big draws, but areas like Monterey County, Pasa Robles and Santa Barbara County are also home to gorgeous, sun-drenched vineyards and tasting rooms.

Football might be America's most popular sport, but baseball will always be the national pastime. Grab a seat in the bleachers at an MLB or minor league stadium, order a cold frosty one from the beer vendor and a decadent snack from the concession stand and root, root, root for the home team. There's simply no better way to spend a summer evening.

America's Switzerland has a long and storied history as a place where Americans go to be restored by fresh air, refreshed by alpine views and invigorated by adrenaline-pumping mountain and snow sports. Dive into the Old West history and elite level craft beer offerings in Denver, before heading into the Rockies to one of the state's handsome mountain resort towns.

Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston to learn all about the country's Revolutionary history before watching one of the beloved local sports teams play. Then, head into the handsome hinterland of New England to see the pretty small towns and seaside cities that were the bedrock of Colonial America. Best experienced in autumn.

Watch a concert, experience a rodeo, take a spin on a few carnival rides and devour on a veritable smorgasbord of deep-fried goodies at any one of the nation's iconic state fairs.

If you can't make it to a live game during your ultimate USA trip, then do the next best thing: watch it from the comfort of a sports bar while diving into a bowl full of buffalo wings. The humble chicken wing has evolved into one of the country's most beloved restaurant snacks, and they have a way of tasting better when eaten under neon signs and big screens.

A subtropical swirl of sun, sand and style, Miami is a metropolis like no other. Caribbean and Latin American cultural and culinary influences give the city a feel unlike anywhere else in the country while the beaches are some of the finest anywhere. Start in Magic City, make a pit stop in the Everglades before heading due south to the Florida Keys via the amazing Overseas Highway.

The biggest state in the Lower 48, Texas can feel like it's very own country-and that's part of what makes it so special. The Alamo is the more revered site in the state, the historic fort where Texans bravely defended themselves against the Mexican army. See it with your own eyes first before heading off to see the rest of the Lone Star State.

Try to arrive in Vegas at night so your first impressions of the Strip will be full of the neon buzz you always dreamed of. Whether you leave town a winner is beside the point, you're going to have the time of your life, experiencing plenty of "pinch-me" moments-seeing the fountains of Bellagio being a leading contender-along the way.

A rite of passage in the summertime, the beachside boardwalk is a quintessentially American experience, and there's no better way to take a break from the beach. Grab a cotton candy or fresh-squeezed lemonade, get an airbrushed t-shirt and soak in the lively atmosphere.

The US Civil Rights Trail consists of over 100 sites of historical significance to the quest for American civil rights, ranging from courtrooms where momentous decisions were handed down to places where iconic marches took place and everything in between. Many of the most famous sights are in the Deep South with all telling a chapter of this country's perpetual challenge of living up to its ideals. As they say, what happened here, changed the world, so visit a part of this trial to learn about courageous tales you may not have known about before.

The "Crown of the Continent" is a landscape like nowhere else, and unfortunately, the glaciers are retreating at a rapid pace and soon will be nothing but a shadow of their former selves. Get there as soon as you can to experience the natural wonder of this park in northern Montana.

There are countless battlefields and historical markers throughout the country that tell the story of the Civil War, but nowhere is as all-encompassing as Gettysburg. Walk the hallowed ground where so many gave their lives during the Civil War and walk away moved.

The nation's capital is a must-visit on any quest that aims to take in the "best of America". Tour the White House, the capitol, the Washington Monument, and countless other historical sights and museums or just take a walk along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pond.

The larger than life sculptures of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln are one of the nation's symbols and while it may be smaller in person than you imagined, seeing it is most definitely still a thrill. Tie a trip here into seeing the rest of the bewitching Black Hills.

Walk along the Spanish-moss strewn streets of Charleston, taking in the aura and history of one of the South's prettiest cities-the Civil War began here and a trip to Fort Sumter is a must in order to learn about this momentous event. Then, head south to experience the magical landscapes and culture of Lowcountry, a region made of marshes and rich traditions.

Breath-stealing waterfalls, ancient sequoias and towering mountains made of granite are just a few of the reasons why Yosemite is a beloved national park. Here, the boundless splendor of the Sierra Nevada mountains is on full display and will spellbind you for days.

You will be astounded by the natural beauty up-and-down the Appalachians, but the Smokies are something else. The range forms the basis for the nation's most visited national park (Great Smoky Mountains National Park), which is home to fawn-worthy forests and scenic overlooks that will leave you breathless.

Located in Far West Texas, Big Bend National Park is the epitome of isolated, yet it rewards all who make the drive. After admiring a sky full of stars and the rugged beauty of the park, stop by Marfa (one of the coolest small towns in America) before heading to El Paso, a unique city full of both American and Mexican influences.

Stand in four states at the same time (Colorado, Utah, Mexico and Arizona) at this unique geographic area before making for one of the most famous landscapes in the entire country: Monument Valley. For generations, Monument Valley symbolized the West to moviegoers, and it looks even more impressive in person.

San Francisco blossomed during the Gold Rush of 1849, helped fuel the counter-culture revolution in 1969 and has recently been transformed by the tech bonanza in Silicon Valley. Visit to learn all about all three eras, but odds are it's the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge, undulating cityscape and fantastic foodie finds that will stay with you long after you leave.

Barbecue is beloved all over the USA, but it's a religion in places like Kansas City, Memphis, Texas and the Carolinas. Stop by to worship the local pitmaster, then enjoy the fruits of their labor at a communal table with plenty of side dishes and napkins.

Alaska is the biggest state and it is home to nearly as many adventures as square miles of land. Take the Alaska Railroad for views you'll never forget, hike across the wilderness in Denali National Park, cruise the Inner Passage or visit in the dark times of winter to see the Northern Lights dance.

The world's largest group of freshwater lakes, these "inland seas" are simply sensational. From the buzzing cities of Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit to dreamy landscapes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park or Apostle Islands National Seashore, the Great Lakes are the perfect springboard to the beauty of America's interior.

America might have more dynamic big cities than any country in the world, but there's a charm in the small towns that you won't find in any metropolis. Stay a couple of days, chat with the locals at the coffee shop, and do some shopping at the independent stores on Main Street.

From the fishing villages of Maine down to Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts on through to Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas, the East Coast is hugged by thousands of miles coastline and nearly every nook and cranny is hiding a seaside surprise.

Straddling the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in America just as lovely in winter as it is in summer. Ski when the snow falls, take part in a wealth of watersports during the summer, and be surrounded by natural beauty all year round.

Whether it's a horserace like the Kentucky Derby or Preakness or a competition between machines running on horsepower at Daytona, Dover or Talledega, there's nothing quite like the thrill of an American racetrack. Find a seat in the grandstand, grab a drink and get prepared for the excitement to rush past you.

You don't have to walk the whole way from Georgia to Maine to get a feel for the wonder of the Appalachian Trail, as just a day spent on this epic path is bound to leave you with a sense of awe. But you won't regret it if you tackle the whole thing.

Whether it's high school games on under the Friday night lights, Saturday afternoons in a cool college town, or NFL matchups on Sundays, football takes over America each autumn and watching a game (and tailgating) with the home fans is an unforgettable experience.

Whether it's deep dish in the Windy City, foldable slices in New York, thin 'apizza in New Haven or divine blocks in Detroit, there's always a regional pizza variation that needs eating.

Located over 2,000 miles from the coast of California, Hawaii offers a cultural mix of the USA and the South Pacific, offering an American travel experience like no other. Laze on the beach, surf the waves, hike to lush island waterfalls, or just simply spend your days nursing tropical cocktails on the beach.

Arguably America's most famous natural landmark, the Grand Canyon is the ultimate symbol of the wide-open spaces of the West. Watching the sun appear in the morning and shine over the canyon's burnt orange rocks is an experience you will never forget.

Whether it's a fancy place baking unique flavors with Instagram-ready toppings or a down-home shop selling them by the dozen, you can't beat a freshly baked donut. Find out who is frying and icing the best where you are visiting and then make a morning beeline to get them fresh.

The highest peak in the Cascades, Mount Rainier is a staple on the Seattle skyline and the surrounding national park offers endless outdoor opportunities.

The city where the Declaration of Independence was written and the Constitution were created (among a host of other landmarks associated with America's birth), Philadelphia is a must-see. After glancing to the past, stop for some of the city's signature food items like soft pretzels, water ice and of course, cheesesteaks.

Oh sure, you could stop at one of those chain places that does a decent job on breaded bird and fried chicken sandwiches, but wouldn't it be better to support a Mom & Pop spot putting out one of American's most cherished foods? You'll be glad you did when you hear the crunch of the breading and experience the taste of proper juicy chicken.

This fascinating town in the Southwest offers historical treasures in spades. In addition, the architecture, cuisine, and arts scene is like nowhere else in the country.

America's signature spirit, Bourbon whiskey's spiritual home is Kentucky, and following this trail will teach you a lot about its history in addition to giving you a good excuse to quaff multiple glasses.

Often overlooked when it comes to Western hotspots, cross the border into Utah and you'll immediately be blown away by what you see. The state is home to five national parks, each more spectacular than the last: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Zion and Capitol Reef.

Home to some of the best-preserved Native American sites in North America, this Colorado park's star attractions are the cliff dwellings left behind by Ancestral Puebloans. Visit to take a step back into the past and learn all about some of our nation's first peoples.

Drive-in movie theaters never fully went away, they just receded into the background once multiplexes came on the scene. Seek out the nearest drive-in during your trip and a have an All-American night out under the stars.

Home to the lowest elevations in the USA, Death Valley is surprisingly biologically diverse and home to a wealth of natural beauty. Especially at night when the stars come out to light up the sky.

Yes, the sand at White Sands National Park is as pretty as it looks, and no, you won't be surrounded by nearly as many tourists as at some of the other more popular beauty spots in the West.

Hawaii's Garden Isle is home to a diverse range of landscapes and experiences, but it's Na Pali Coast might just be the most breathtaking in the entire nation. View the cliffs and waterfalls from a helicopter to feel like you've just stepped into a scene on Jurassic Park.