10 Trips in the United States Everyone Should Add to Their Bucket List

When someone says “bucket list trips,” it’s very easy to think of trips you’d like to take in the future, on another long day, to celebrate an important event or mark the final whistle. That’s all well and good, but as they say: There’s no time like the present. Throughout the great United States there are many opportunities to fulfill the dreams of childhood – or adults – to experience the country in all its splendor, whether rural or urban, culinary or cultural, educational or just fun. To Condé Nast Travelerwe spend our days learning and writing about the best experiences the 50 states have to offer – this is our ultimate wish list.

Here are 10 bucket list trips that Condé Nast Traveler editors want to take (or have taken) in their lives, from a bluegrass trail in Virginia and a trip to the great landscape in Utah to a road trip in Alaska. Get inspired below and make sure you travel prepared, whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner, on a road trip or backpacking.

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Hot air balloons in New Mexico

You don’t have to travel all the way to Cappadocia, Turkey, to see amazing hot air balloons in the sky. In fact, the largest hot air balloon festival in the world takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I’ve wanted to explore New Mexico’s big city and take to the skies for a long time, especially after paragliding for the first time. Now running for 52 years and spanning nine days, just 20 minutes from downtown, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is filled with light displays, fireworks, live music, folk dances and floating balloons. which fill the sky day and night. After getting up in the air, a trip to White Sands National Park would be the perfect way to end the trip—and check another national park off the list. Kayla Brock, social media manager

Following the bluegrass trail in Virginia

I’ve always wanted to drive The Crooked Road in Virginia, which connects the bluegrass and Appalachian music areas of Southwest Virginia—more than 10 major venues, and about 50 smaller ones. I’d love to drive through the hills, to places like the Floyd Country Store for a little bit of twang, and of course for some Virginia hog barbecue along the way. This year, 2024, is the trail’s 20th anniversary, so I hope to drop by in the fall as the festivities continue. Megan Spurrell, assistant director of publications

Visiting Point Dume in Malibu, California

If you want to feel like you’re at the edge of the world, while looking at clear ocean water and a view that will leave your mouth open, this tall bluff jutting into the Pacific Ocean is the place. Point Dume has a European feel in the way its jagged cliffs meet the beach, but it offers a unique experience for those accustomed to less dramatic US coastal views. Famous for surfing, scuba diving, and whale watching from December to mid-April, Point Dume is a short 45-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles like Santa Monica— and a spectacular drive up the famous Pacific Coast Highway. maybe its a bucket list item too. Emily Adler, social media manager

Horseback riding in Wyoming

Every year since I moved to the United States – now 11 years ago – I have made mental plans to ride a horse through Wyoming. Mainly through Teton Canyon and up to the edge of Yellowstone National Park. Every year, I have failed to do it. But the dream remains: winding my way through the wilderness, riding through rocky streams, through forests, through mountains, and through meadows full of wild flowers that would have made Klimt look, just stop to set up camp, fill up with gas, and swap stories around the campfire. Throw in a few herds of roaming buffalo and the dream would be complete. Arati Menon, global digital director

Airboat ride through the Florida Everglades

The two largest tourist destinations in Florida are Orlando, which has many theme parks, and Miami. If you’re visiting the latter, take a trip to Everglades National Park (also a great addition if you’re headed to the Keys). Growing up in south Florida, it was a place where we often brought out-of-town guests and visited on school trips. The Everglades is described as the largest wilderness in the United States by the National Park Service, and is home to quail, flamingos, egrets, manatees and the Florida panther. You’re all but guaranteed to see alligators boating through the wetlands – and if you go to the Everglades Alligator Farm, you might be able to hold a small one (or at least see some close to the water). ). There are extensive biking and walking trails throughout the park, too. I’ve never been anywhere like it in the US; it feels a world away from Florida’s urban sprawl. Madison Flager, senior business editor

A winter cruise in Alaska

Having become, as a result of my work, an unlikely sailor over the past year or so, I am looking forward to getting on a boat to somewhere where sailing really is. add personal experience and access to the destination. The first that comes to mind, of course, is the Galapagos. But the country, from what I gather, sailing gets you pretty far in Alaska during the winter, when the conditions are brutal and the coastal towns feel too far to travel between — not to mention with ice crystals and other natural gems. royalty. Charlie Hobbs, assistant editor

To see Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty in Utah

For years I have wanted to test my off-road skills by driving to Spiral Jetty. The jetty is a 1,500-foot-long strand of basalt and mudstone that lies in a mirror-like landscape of the Great Salt Lake. Robert Smithson carved this piece in 1970, although it was submerged under the lake for more than 30 years until it resurfaced due to drought in 2004. -excavation organizations. I can’t think of a better place to stretch my legs and horses after a long drive than the rugged shores of the jetty with the surreal magenta waters of the lake surrounding me. Kat Chen, assistant editor

Walking along a Louisiana bayou

I have been held by this great magnet to the Louisiana area ever since I read Joan Didion’s book. South and West about five years ago. He considers the swamp complex and invigorating, recalling the drinks and residents of Covington, Louisiana, who touch on their colorful and wild life, parties and food. As a born and bred New Yorker, I have never seen anything like this before. For a nice contrast – and maybe for comfort – I would stay in New Orleans for the first few nights. But most of my trip will be near Bayou Lafourche, near the coastal meadows and moss trees. I would enjoy the hot air like a hug and look to the locals for recommendations on Cajun culture, swamp shacks and shrimp boats. Jessica Chapel, assistant editor

Acadia National Park Campground

On my first trip to Maine a few years ago, I drove up the East Coast with one of my best friends from college and we went camping in Acadia National Park. We spent a long weekend walking the park’s trails with amazing views of the water and mountains, picnicking at the lighthouse, swimming in the clear ocean water (cold as they say),’ and yes, we eat many types of crabs in Bar. Port. On the way up, we stopped in Camden, Maine, and spent the night at a friend’s farm, and on the way back I visited his family on Cape Cod. I recommend combining Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine for a quintessential New England trip. Be sure to reserve your Acadia campsite (reservations open two months in advance and book fast). Go in the summer for the best weather, or during the fall months to catch the leaves. Hannah Towey, assistant editor

Criss-cross the United States for its wine regions

When it comes to travel, I can’t help but look endlessly at other non-US destinations. My bucket list trips include learning to tan in Buenos Aires, going on safari in Botswana (and staying at the best Xigera), and riding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (a dream, for me big, just became reality). But when I think about it hard, I would give my left hand to take a long harvest season tour around the United States and taste its many wines: from the vineyards of Old Napa Valley, down-singing Oregon’s Willamette Valley, in the growing Idaho wine country. Since I’m an oenophile, I’ve never given California Chardonnays a second thought (I blame the Bravo radio shows), so I’d love to get an education again, along with an introduction to the best vintages of Fingers. Lakes and the Texas Hill Country. I’m going to need a private jet to get between them all before spring rolls around, so I guess I might as well give my right hand away. All I need for wine tasting is, I think, my mouth. Matt Ortile, assistant editor