USA

View from above Capitol Reef National Park

It took leaving home for me to really appreciate everything the USA has to offer.

The country is vast. Diverse. Stunning. With rad cities and even better national parks, this country is one for the books.

Let’s explore America.

HOW TO PLAN A US NATIONAL PARKS ROAD TRIP

More National Park Road Trip Resources: Why You Should Buy an America the Beautiful PassHow Much Does a US National Parks Road Trip Cost?


CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’

California

With coastline, desert, and mountains, California really does have a little bit of everything.

Start your California road trip in the iconic city of San Francisco (please don’t call it Frisco) with some tacos, urban hikes, and live music.

7 Best Taquerias in San Francisco ● Retro Gaming at Musée MecaniqueWhat the Hell is a J-Pop Summit? ● What the Hell is a Cat Café?San Francisco Street ArtSan Francisco PrideBay to Breakers

More California: 8 Experiences in MontereyBaywatch: 4 of the Best Whale Watching Spots in California An Outlandish Guide to Joshua TreeAn Outlandish Guide to Yosemite

Boat Tour on Crater Lake circles Phantom Island

WEST COAST IS THE BEST COAST

Oregon Washington

At least that’s what some people will tell you.

Venture north of California for an encounter with the Pacific Northwest. Here you’ll find underrated cities and some really fine nature. Like, you know… a massive crater lake.

More West Coast: 51 Unique + Weird Things to do in PortlandDrinking in Detention at McMenamin’s Kennedy SchoolWhat the Hell is the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium?Finding the Best Brunch in Portland Seaplane Ride over SeattleHow to Plan a Pacific Northwest Road TripAn Outlandish Guide to North Cascades

NATIONAL PARK GUIDES

How to Plan a Utah National Parks Road Trip

SOUTHWESTERN MUSE

Utah Arizona

The Southwestern landscape has inspired many paintings and brought to life many songs. It’s encouraged foolhardy endeavors in homesteading and exploration.

I, for one, have never been a desert person (honestly who is a “desert person”?) but the national parks of Arizona and Utah really changed my mind.

Want a change of perspective? Hop in the car and go for a little adventure across the Southwest.

More of the Southwest: An Outlandish Guide to Zion National Park 5 Hikes in Zion (that aren’t Angel’s Landing) Backpacking the Zion TraverseAn Outlandish Guide to Bryce Canyon National ParkAn Outlandish Guide to Capitol Reef National ParkBackpacking the Needles in CanyonlandsAn Outlandish Guide to the Grand CanyonSleeping Around: Best Campsites at the Grand CanyonAn Outlandish Guide to Coyote Buttes

OFF TO A ROCKY [MOUNTAIN] START

Colorado Montana

It’s all about the Rockies for me. There are 58 “fourteeners” (peaks higher than 14,000 feet) in Colorado alone. Head further north to Montana and you’ll find glaciers and grizzlies, too.

This part of the US has rugged and pure beauty. Get the best of it in Glacier National Park.

More Rockies: 51 Unique + Fun Things to do in DenverAn Outlandish Guide to Mesa VerdeAn Outlandish Guide to YellowstoneAn Outlandish Guide to Grand TetonBear Safety 101 Canada

21 WEIRD WORLD FESTIVALS

DEEP SOUTH

Texas ● Alabama

There’s nowhere on earth like the American South. A complicated mix of liberal cities and backwoods living. Warm hospitality with a turbulent history and divisive political system. But you won’t regret the time you spend here. It really is special.

Get your feet wet in easygoing Austin and go from there.

More South: 51 Weird + Fun Things to do in BirminghamBest Taprooms in Huntsville

THE LAST FRONTIER

Alaska

Who knows if Alaskan’s like the nickname, but it really does feel like it when you’re up there.

If you want to experience true wilderness in the United States, Alaska is the place to do it. Take to the wilderness in Kenai Fjords.

MORE NORTH AMERICA

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