Things Every American Should Do In The US In Their Lifetime

Life is short, and as we get older, aging myths might convince us that we should spend our lives indoors reflecting on the good times. But America is a pretty big place. And even if you think you've seen it all, chances are there is more to explore. 

We found a few things worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. From visiting famous landmarks to touring the nation's best beach towns, here are the adventures that should be on every American's bucket list.  

The redwood forest in Humboldt Redwoods State Park is one of  the most beautiful places in all of America's state and national parks. Redwoods are mighty in nature and marvelous to witness. Humboldt spans 53,000 acres — twice the size of San Francisco — and one-third of the park is the redwood forest — making it the largest expanse of ancient redwoods left on earth.

There are plenty of American towns that look like they're stuck in time, but if you grew up watching Westerns or dreamt of being a cowboy or cowgirl, no place is better to visit than the Old West. Towns like Leadville, Colorado; Deadwood, South Dakota; or the famous Tombstone, Arizona, will give you a feel for the era.

Thanks to its more than 350,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees, you'll see the most beautiful cherry blossoms in the world in Macon, Georgia. The cherry blossoms are so plentiful in Macon that it was nicknamed the "cherry blossom capital of the world." Visit during the spring to experience the International Cherry Blossom Festival, a time when Macon becomes the pinkest city in the world.

Grabbing a fast food menu item when you're on the go is fine every once in a while. But you haven't truly lived until you've dined at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Spots like Eleven Madison Park and Alinea are the best restaurants in the nation with menu items that will have your taste buds soaring.

It might be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation, but every American should walk the National Mall. The 2-mile swath of greenery has been around for more than 200 years and stretches from the foot of the U.S. Capitol to the Potomac River. While you're there, visit historic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

Yes, traveling to one of the coldest cities in the world might not be on your bucket list, but arguably no other city in the nation provides a more stellar view of the northern lights than Fairbanks, Alaska. Visit between Aug. 21 and April 21 to observe the swirling green, teal and white light show in the night sky.

Watching the Times Square Ball Drop on television every year from the comfort of your home might be fun, but every American should throw on a warm coat and a party hat and witness the event that has occurred for more than a century in person at least once.

The magic of Disney World will captivate both the young and the young at heart. But with rides like Splash Mountain and plenty of family-friendly fun, Disney World's Magic Kingdom is an adventure with attractions worth the wait that bring beloved movies to life.

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is often touted as a travel-must, but you don't have to go down under to experience an amazing reef. Florida's greatest natural wonder is the Florida Reef, North America's only barrier reef. The Florida Reef has more than 80% of all the coral reef species in the Tropical Western Atlantic and has over 50 species of corals.

Whether you like it topped with pineapple or loaded with pepperoni, pizza reigns high on the list of America's favorite dinners. It may not be the birthplace of the dish, but the U.S. has made pizza its own. So it's a given that you should seek out the best pizza in America. Just head to Frank Pepe in New Haven, Connecticut, and order the clam pie.

Road trips are fun, but when you want to escape the hassles of confusing maps and thick traffic, take a scenic train ride through charming towns, rolling countryside and parts of the country you may not have seen otherwise. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

A trip to Yosemite National Park is already one for the books, but if you want to view a natural wonder unlike any other, visit the park during the last two weeks of February to watch the park's Horsetail Fall "catch fire." Given the right conditions — like clear skies and zero haze — the angle of the sunset will light the water from behind, creating an effect that makes the water resemble cascading lava.

Studies have shown that drinking a glass of wine a day has a myriad of health benefits. So you have the perfect excuse to spend some time traveling a wine trail in the U.S. From Kentucky to California, there are more than 280 wine trails across the nation waiting for you to explore.

A trip to Vegas is usually associated with wild parties and gambling the night away. But touring the Las Vegas strip is one of the most romantic adventures you can take in America. Stroll with your beau under the bright lights or marvel at the sight of the Fountains of Bellagio, where a water, music and light show takes place under the Vegas sky.

The White House is a piece of American history that has been around for more than 200 years. After submitting a tour request through a member of Congress, you can explore the art and history of the nation like a president. But beware: rumor has it that the White House is one of those famous places that might be haunted.

The World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, is one of the coolest roadside attractions in the Midwest. As hinted at by its name, everything in the Corn Palace revolves around corn, from the murals that are decorated with the grain to the annual Corn Palace Festival that has live entertainment, games and, you guessed it, corn.

Ditch the haunted houses and go for a more immersive experience: a haunted hotel. From Texas to Illinois, some of the most haunted hotels are in America.

Some things are worth the wait, and in the case of upscale dining, they will make you wait. Some spots like The French Laundry are more than restaurants, they are full experiences So do your research and then dive into trying to score a nearly impossible to get restaurant reservation

Try a peach in the state nicknamed after the sweet fruit. Here's a fun fact: Georgia isn't the leading producer of peaches. That mantle goes to California.

If you appreciate a cold one and are in search of the best place to sip in the world, look no further than Hill Farmstead in Greensboro, Vermont. For the seventh year in a row, Hill Farmstead was selected as the best brewery in the world out of more than 30,000 contenders.

Baseball might be America's favorite pastime, but the nation's most-watched sport is football. Football players take to the field in all types of weather and the atmosphere can be electric. Ditch the television screen and catch your favorite sports team live in action on the field.

Leaving the woes of work and cold weather to escape to a warm, sunny destination can't be beaten. And you don't need to go too far to soak up the sun. Yuma, a city in southwest Arizona, gets the most sunshine of anywhere in the U.S. For decades, the city has averaged 90% sunny days each year.

Most of America's biggest cities have an NBA team, and you can enjoy your favorite basketball team dominating the court. And don't worry about the price — catching a game on a weekday or early in the season will save you some money.

Luxurious hotels, shops and restaurants all dot the streets along California's Rodeo Drive. But the famed road merits the trip even if you don't plan to buy anything. Towering palm trees and the bright sunshine make this drive like no other. And chances are you might spot a celebrity out and about.

The Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains are all popular national park destinations, but if you want to skip the crowds without missing stellar views, add an underrated national park to your travel list. Baxter State Park in Maine and Big Bend National Park in Texas are two worth the trip.

The fall foliage on the East Coast is unmatched. Nature's beauty comes to life as luminous bursts of orange, red and yellow color the trees and streets.

Whether you're a pro or beginner, riding the gnarly waves on a beautiful beach in Hawaii is the opportunity of a lifetime worth giving a go at least once. 

Nicknamed the "Wildflower National Park," Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the best places in the world to watch spring bloom. More than 1,500 varieties of flowering plants — the most in any North American national park — come to life in the spring. And each spring, the park hosts the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, an annual event in which a guide takes hikers through the park to explore its history and natural beauty.

Times have changed, and now you can easily stream a movie from the comfort of your couch. But if you want to experience an American tradition more than 80 years old, visit a retro drive-in movie theater and enjoy a classic film from your front seat.

Planning an island vacation might sound time-consuming and heavy on the wallet. But there are plenty of islands in the U.S. where you can  lounge on the beach without a passport. Key West in Florida and South Padre Island — dubbed the "only tropical island paradise in Texas" — are perfect island destinations.

NFL games are fun, but college football games are a whole other level of spirit. It is a loud, energy-packed event where all ages gather on beautiful college campuses to show school spirit. Tailgating is one of the best parts of the experience. Grab a beer, perfect your game day recipes and get ready for a good time. 

The San Diego Zoo is one of the best zoos in the nation and the ideal travel destination for every animal lover. From apes to lions, the zoo has over 3,500 rare and endangered animals from more than 650 species and subspecies and more than 700,000 exotic plants.

"Field of Dreams," the movie about an Iowa farmer who builds a baseball diamond on his land, is an iconic baseball film that defined our childhoods. You can relive those moments by playing a game of catch on the farm where the movie was filmed. You can also even tour the farmhouse. 

We all dream of living the life of the rich and famous. Luckily, there are celebrity vacation hotspots even someone on a budget can afford. Pick from popular destinations like New Orleans, Miami or Aspen and live it up like the stars.

There are plenty of jolly facts you might not know about Santa, but here's a fun one: you can visit his home any time of the year. North Pole, Alaska, is a small town in the state where the spirit of Christmas lives 365 days a year. Several street names are dedicated to the holiday —  like Mistletoe Road and Saint Nicholas Drive — and the "official" home of Santa greets all travelers who pass through the town.

Minnesota might be nicknamed the "Land of 10,000 lakes," but there are actually 11,842 lakes waiting to be explored. Spend a day with the family playing at the beach or enjoy an evening of paddleboarding or canoeing.

Thrill-seekers must make a trek to The Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the nation. Located less than 15 miles from Cañon City, Colorado, The Royal Gorge Bridge gives visitors the opportunity to walk 955 feet above the Arkansas River, or, if they're feeling bold, zipline across.

Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, dubbed the "Home of the Blues," is the soul of the south. This famed street is lined with historic establishments like B.B. King's Blues Club and Blues City Cafe, where famous legends like Al Green and Samuel L. Jackson have taken the stage and dined.

There are plenty of museums worth exploring in Washington, D.C., but the National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national treasure up there with the best museums in the country. It is the only national museum dedicated solely to the documentation of African American life, history and culture, with more than 36,000 artifacts.

Relive America's history at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota's most famous gem. See giant carvings of four of the presidents who Gutzon Borglum — the creator — thought "represented the most important events in the history of the United States." If you want to avoid the crowd, visit during May, October or September, the best month for your vacation.

From mega moguls to famous people you might not know, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the world's most famous sidewalks honoring the stars. Strike a pose next to your favorite star (literally) or, if you plan your trip accordingly, watch a live star ceremony.

Miami might be an expensive travel destination, but if you budget accordingly, you can party in the Sunshine State without blowing too much cash. Lounge by the water or dress in your favorite summer clothing and party on the beach.

No one does soul food like the south, and that's where you'll find some of the best soul food restaurants in the nation. Stop by Bully's Restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi, for ribs doused in barbeque sauce, or Busy Bee Cafe in Atlanta, where you'll find the best fried chicken in America.

Join the more than 10 million travelers each year who cruise down the Golden Gate Bridge and take in San Francisco's beautiful sights.

We've all dreamt of putting on a spacesuit and jumping weightless like an astronaut. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. offers the opportunity to come pretty close to that dream — no outer space travel required. Visitors can take a glimpse at the suit Neil Armstrong wore on the Apollo 11 moon landing or learn the history behind the technology that led to humans landing in space. 

Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a sight you'll have to see to believe. Sunlight shines into the slot canyon, hitting the rock formations and creating a perfect Instagrammable shot of beautiful, bright colors.

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the nation's history, no place is better than Boston's Freedom Trail. The 2.5-mile-long trail contains 16 significant sights covering more than 250 years of American history. Seeing this sight is just one of the 50 things to do before turning 50.

Sure, you can purchase a book online or from your local bookstore, but it sounds so much cooler to snag a bestseller from the largest independent used and new bookstore in the world. Powell's City of Books is a Portland, Oregon, treasure with nine color-coded rooms and more than 3,500 different sections. Powell's has a stunning library of books you're bound to get lost in.

According to legend, a UFO containing extraterrestrial beings crash-landed in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. Today, Roswell honors its "alien heritage" with sites like the International UFO Museum And Research Center, a museum dedicated to that day. Roswell is one of the most mysterious places in the world.