By Fathima Rukaiya,
Traveling across the United States isn’t just about visiting places, it’s about experiencing the vast diversity of landscapes, culture, and nature that this massive country has to offer. This 2025 updated guide brings you the most epic destinations across America, complete with costs and insider highlights to help you plan the perfect journey.
1. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Yellowstone is a geological wonder and the first national park in the United States. This park is a feast for the senses, offering everything from seeing bison and elk grazing the Lamar Valley to witnessing the eruption of geysers like Old Faithful.
Entry Fee: $20 per person on foot or bicycle, $35 per vehicle for 7 days.
Why Go: Geysers, colorful hot springs, vast meadows, and wildlife sightings.
2. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a magnificent natural wonder that was sculpted by the Colorado River. For a once-in-a-lifetime view, stroll the Bright Angel Trail, stand on the edges of the South Rim, or take a helicopter ride.
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days; $20 per person if walking or biking.
Why Go: Iconic canyon views, dramatic sunrise spots, and rugged hiking routes.
3. Zion National Park – Utah
Zion is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and breathtaking hiking paths. The park’s most famous hikes include Angels Landing and The Narrows, where you wade through river waters between narrow canyon walls.
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle and $20 per person on foot or bike.
Why Go: Towering red cliffs, slot canyons
4. Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah
There is nothing like the amphitheater (circular open-air building) of red granite hoodoos at Bryce Canyon. The spire-shaped formations glow during sunrise and sunset, offering unforgettable photo opportunities.
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle or $20 per pedestrian, valid for 7 days.
Reasons to Visit: Stunning stargazing, unusual rock formations, and picturesque loop roads.
5. Arches & Canyonlands National Parks – Utah
These parks, which are only a few minutes apart, are a red rock paradise. There are more than 2,000 naturally occurring sandstone arches in Arches, including the well-known Delicate Arch. Canyonlands offers vast desert views, mesas, and canyons carved by rivers.
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle each park; both valid for 7 days.
Why Go: Natural arches, huge canyons, and jaw-dropping views.
6. Glacier National Park – Montana
Known for its untamed mountain landscape, glittering alpine lakes, and historic lodges. You can take a boat ride on Lake McDonald or drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Reasons to Visit: Unspoiled waters, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking alpine landscapes.
7. Yosemite National Park – California
Yosemite is a hiker’s and nature lover’s dream come true with its towering granite cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and old sequoias. Admire Yosemite Falls, climb Half Dome, or enjoy the views from Glacier Point.
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle for 7 days.
Why Go: Tall waterfalls, towering forests, and iconic rock formations
8. Badlands National Park – South Dakota
The eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires that make up the Badlands provide a gloomy yet breathtaking scene. The park is also a treasure trove for fossil hunters and history lovers.
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle or $15 per pedestrian.
Why Go: Seeing bison, fossil beds, and unusual geological formations.
9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee/North Carolina
The Smokies are one of the most visited national parks, and for good reason. Explore mist-covered hills, old-growth forests, and blooming wildflowers.
Entry Fee: Free
Why Go: Historic cottages, waterfalls, Appalachian trails, and lush woodlands.
10. Glacier Bay or Kenai Fjords National Park – Alaska
These parks are isolated and untamed, offering untouched wilderness, marine life, and mountains topped by glaciers. Kayaking trips and boat cruises offer up-close looks at frozen scenery.
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle or $20 per individual.
Why Go: Sea kayaking, humpback whale sightings, and towering glaciers
11. Havasupai Falls – Arizona
Hidden deep in a side canyon of the Grand Canyon, Havasupai’s turquoise waterfalls are a dream come true. It takes a long hike and a sought-after permit to get to them.
Cost: A mandatory three-night camping permit costs about $455 per person.
Why Go: Quiet pools, desert canyon views, and isolated turquoise waterfalls.
12. Horseshoe Bend – Arizona
This naturally carved bend of the Colorado River is viewed from a high sandstone cliff. It’s a quick stop but provides one of the most iconic photographs of the American Southwest.
Parking costs $10 per vehicle.
Why Go: Beautiful river flowing views and sunset photography
13. Antelope Canyon & Lake Powell – Arizona/Utah
Centuries of water erosion have created the sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon, which resemble waves. Take a boat or kayaking trip to Lake Powell while you’re there.
Cost: Guided tours range from $40 – 60 per person plus a $10 parking fee.
Why Go: Slot canyon beauty, light beams, and dramatic textures.
14. Yellowstone Bear World – Idaho
This drive-through animal park, located just outside Yellowstone, offers up-close views of wolves, elk, and bears. Children’s play area with a dinosaur theme and a petting zoo are also available.
Entry Fee: Around $25–35 per person depending on packages.
Reasons to Visit: Educational exhibits, enjoyable family activities, and safe wildlife interactions.
15. Grand Teton National Park – Wyoming
Grand Teton, which is well-known for its angular peaks and glacier-fed lakes, is an ideal place to hike, take pictures, and paddle. Don’t miss the views from Schwabacher Landing.
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle or $20 per individual for 7 days.
Why Go: Towering mountains, reflective lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Cost-Saving Tips
America the Beautiful Pass: Consider purchasing this $80 yearly pass if you plan to visit more than two national parks. It includes all of the major national parks as well as more than 2,000 federal recreation locations.
Planning Ahead: To avoid disappointment, make reservations well in advance for some locations, such as Havasupai Falls or Zion’s Angels Landing.
These are just some of the 15 must-visit destinations across the USA, each offering breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. Hopefully, this guide helps you narrow down your choices and makes planning your next adventure a little easier. Get ready to explore the best of what the USA has to offer!
