15 THINGS EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD EXPERIENCE IN THE USA

The world is in a precarious situation right now. Due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 virus, the world is on lockdown. Travel is almost non-existent, art museums are closed, and the days of fellowship with family and friends seem like they will never return. I often wonder if things will ever go back to the way they were, or is this some variation of the new normal? Part of me feels that this is the planet’s way of telling us to slow down, take a breath, connect with those close to you, and connect with yourself.
From medical professionals and grocery workers to those who are practicing social distancing and staying home, we all are doing what we can to preserve life. So when we pick up the pieces and recover from this pandemic, we must ensure we do all we can to live life. If there’s one thing to learn: Life can be taken away from us at anytime or any age, and we owe it to ourselves to live with happiness and fulfillment!

There are so many great things to see and do in the USA. I have compiled a fun bucket list of things we all should experience in our lifetime. Let one of these fantastic experiences inspire your next adventure! Here are the first fifteen to get you started:

DRIVE AROUND A DORMANT VOLCANO
Take a leisurely drive around the stunning 33-mile rim of Crater Lake Oregon. With multiple viewing points to witness on the of bluest bodies of water in the USA.

WALK ACROSS THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
Take a stroll across one of the most iconic bridges in the world located in San Francisco, California. Only 2.5 miles from the Golden Gate Welcome Center to Battery Spencer, where you can get the most fantastic view of the bridge.

VISIT THE HOTTEST, DRIEST, AND LOWEST NATIONAL PARK
I know this doesn’t sound like the most appealing thing to do; however, Death Valley, California, has some cool stuff to offer. You can climb or sandboard at Mesquite Flat or walk across the salt flats at Badwater Basin: the lowest elevation in the western hemisphere.

HIKE TO THE MOST ICONIC SIGN IN THE USA
The Hollywood sign overlooking Los Angeles, California, seems unattainable, but you can hike up to the iconic 45-foot white letters on Mount Lee. There is a trail that leads from Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park or a much shorter 2.6-mile path that starts in a residential neighborhood at 3100 block of N Beachwood Drive.

STAND IN THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
So maybe Times Square in New York City is not the actual center of the Universe, but it sure feels that way when you are there. At the junction of Broadway and Seventh Ave, you will be amongst the 330,000 people who pass through the “Great White Way” daily.

EXPLORE ANTELOPE CANYON
One of the best things you can do in Arizona is gaze at the colors of Antelope Cayon. When the sunlight shines through the canyon opening it makes for a perfect photograph with amazing colors.

STAND ATOP HORSESHOE BEND
Stand 1000 ft above a portion of the Colorado river shaped like: you guessed a horseshoe. You can find this fantastic landmark in Page, Arizona, where a short hike from the parking lot you are at the viewing point. I ignored posted warning signs and ventured beyond to stand on the edge for this cool shot.

REFLECT AT CLOUD GATE.
No trip to Chicago is complete without visiting “The Bean” the famous sculpture in the heart of the city reflects cool views of the city’s skyline and yourself when up close.

ATTEND A MAJOR SPORTING EVENT.
The USA take their sports seriously. Attending an NFL, NBA, or MLB game is a rite of passage.

WALK DOWN THE NATIONS OLDEST RESIDENTIAL STREET
Philadelphia has a lot of history such as the liberty bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. However, people overlook Elfreth’s Alley, a historic street dating back to 1703.

ATTEND A CONCERT AT RED ROCKS
Just outside of Denver, Colorado, you will find one of the most amazing open-air music venue, that was built into a rock structure. Along with the excellent sound quality, the views are fantastic.

WALK THE NATIONAL MALL
The nation’s capital has a lot to offer from massive monuments to museums of every kind. And the two-mile walk from the US Capitol to the Potomac River will score you views of the Lincoln Memorial and the African American History Museum.

LEVEL UP AT THE VESSEL
The newest attraction on this list is the “Vessel,” an architectural delight housed in the redeveloped Hudson Yards. Starting from the bottom, you can take the stairs to different levels, all while doing a 360 tour around the structure.

SKI/SNOWBOARD IN COLORADO
If winter sports are your thing, then Colorado is the premier destination to hit the slopes. There are plenty of resorts to choose from: If you want to rub elbows with the rich and famous, then Aspen is the go-to place.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, then Monarch or Loveland ski are budget-friendly options.

WATCH A MOVIE IN A CEMETARY
Yeah, going to a drive-in is cool, and sitting in an IMAX theatre is even better, but watching a film in the famous Hollywood Forever Cemetary is next level. Bring a blanket and food and enjoy the pre-show featuring DJ’s spinning tunes, photo booths, to name a few, and then settle in for a movie classic. All courtesy of Cinespia.org