10 Adventures You Can Only Have in the U.S.

America is big. Very big. Even before you account for its snowy Alaskan and tropical Hawaiian outposts, it’s big. The sunny surf beaches along California give way to dusty deserts, snow-capped peaks, and endless forests across New York and Boston’s sprawling East Coast cities. There are distinctly American adventures in all four corners of this vast land. So whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, check out these 10 adventures you can only have in the United States.

Gawk at the Grand Canyon

Toroweap point at sunrise, Grand Canyon National Park — *Credit: sumikophoto/Shutterstock*

Okay, so it’s not exactly off the beaten track, but there’s nowhere on earth where Mother Nature can be seen at her most dramatic than the Grand Canyon. The cavernous behemoth, which stretches 18 miles across and over a mile deep, is impressive, to say the least. Don’t just gawp at its beauty, though. Circle overhead by helicopter, paddle along the Colorado River or pretend you’re John Wayne while you gallop along the rim on horseback.

Search for Alligators in the Everglades

Everglades National Park, FL, USA — *Credit: James Kirkikis/Shutterstock*

Let’s get real. While the Florida Everglades teem with wildlife, one beast draws most people to the grassy mangroves. Is anything more adrenaline-inducing than hurtling along the waterways perched atop an airboat in search of gators? Probably not. We’ve only got one piece of advice: don’t fall in.

Surf in the Birthplace of the Sport

Surfer on Blue Ocean Wave in the Tube Getting Barreled — *Credit: EpicStockMedia/Shutterstock*

Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing. Even Captain Cook caught a glimpse of the locals hitting up the waves when he arrived in the late 18th century. For surfers, the consistent swells on the remote island are a mecca, something to do at least once in a lifetime. Don’t worry if you don’t know how, as plenty of schools will teach you to pop up. Trying to pronounce “surf’s up” in the local lingo might be trickier: “E he’enalu kakou”.

Drive Along Route 66 in an Open-Top

Street sign on historic route 66 in the Mojave desert — *Credit: Nick Fox/Shutterstock*

There is nothing more American than driving the world’s most iconic road. It was finished in the 1920s and used during the Dust Bowl when many people migrated out West. Though it’s no longer the national highway, this almost 2,500-mile road stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles and will always serve as a reminder of America’s size. Stop at classic roadside diners and catch a glimpse of kitsch attractions en route. It’s best done from the back of a 100% American open-top muscle car.

Watch Bears in Katmai

Two young Alaskan brown bears on the Naknek Lake beach play fighting, Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA — *Credit: knelson20/Shutterstock*

There’s something incredibly humbling about watching these mighty beasts going about their day. In Alaska’s Katmai National Park, more than 2,200 bears are lumbering around – fishing for food, play-fighting and lounging by the river. While they may look cuddly, leaving your selfie stick at home is best.

Go Horseback Riding on a Ranch

Cowboys riding the range, Montana horse ranch — *Credit: outdoorsman/Shutterstock*

There’s nothing new about ranch holidays. City folk have been heading off on horseback riding adventures for more than a century. Get your spurs on and saddle up to gallop through one of the country’s many cattle ranches. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have any experience; many ranches teach horseback riding skills. Kick back at the end of the day with a hearty home-cooked ranch meal and a few well-deserved cold ones.

Hike in the World’s First National Park

Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park — *Credit: Lorcel/Shutterstock*

Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park, and it packs a punch. While getting a taste in a day is possible, you can’t beat camping in the great wilderness. Hop on one of the group adventure tours, and you could be tracking wolves, spotting bison, gawping at magnificent moose, and getting up close to some of the old favorites like the geysers. Oh, there are stars too. Like you’ve never seen them.

Attempt the Appalachian Trail

Man hiking in the woods after the rain stopped — *Credit: Nico Schueler/Shutterstock*

Not many of us have the time or stamina to take on the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine’s furthest reaches. If you do, you’ll join the few to have taken on the world’s longest-marked trail. If you don’t, fear not. Some magnificent legs can take from a few hours to a few days to stay in mountain cabins. A sturdy pair of walking boots is a must.

Feel the Spray of Niagara Falls

Beautiful Niagara Falls on a clear sunny day. Niagara, Canada — *Credit: TRphotos/Shutterstock*

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

Ride the Big Sur Coast Highway in California

shutterstock_127554866 — *Credit: Doug Meek/Shutterstock*

Few things are more American than riding a Harley chopper 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 Instagramable-worthy photos of the ocean-lapped bays.