The Great American Summer Travel Bucket List

America is vast. With more than 2,600 miles between the two coasts, there's plenty to explore. From the serene beaches in Carmel, CA, to New York's bustling city scene, the US boasts diverse landscapes that should be added to your vacation wish list ASAP. And what better time to explore your own backyard than during the Summer? So, forget the expensive airfare to Europe, lengthy visa processes, and other international travel woes; instead, take the time to become familiar with all the sights that America has to offer. Ahead are 26 travel activities you should definitely check off your Summer bucket list while the warm season is here.

01
Sip a soft drink at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta.
Flickr user Betsy Weber

Sip a soft drink at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta.

02
Tour the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe.
Flickr user Larry Lamsa

Tour the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe.

03
Hike through Muir Woods in California.
Flickr user Robert Couse-Baker

Hike through Muir Woods in California.

04
Invest in a sturdy pair of cowboy or cowgirl boots from Nashville.
Flickr user Alaina McDavid

Invest in a sturdy pair of cowboy or cowgirl boots from Nashville.

05
Observe the Havasu Falls in Arizona.
Flickr user Richard

Observe the Havasu Falls in Arizona.

06
Climb the Flatirons in Boulder, CO.
Flickr user Cara Jo

Climb the Flatirons in Boulder, CO.

08
Travel through time at Jackson Square in New Orleans.
Flickr user Christian Senger

Travel through time at Jackson Square in New Orleans.

09
Take a photo of Lake Tahoe at sunset.
Flickr user Trevor Bexon

Take a photo of Lake Tahoe at sunset.

10
Dip your feet in the Rio Grande River.
Flickr user Mia & Steve Mestdagh

Dip your feet in the Rio Grande River.

11
Watch the parade at the Iowa State Fair.
Flickr user Phil Roeder

Watch the parade at the Iowa State Fair.

12
Buy hot fudge from Mackinaw City, MI.
Flickr user Mary McGuire | Mackinac Design

Buy hot fudge from Mackinaw City, MI.

13
Admire the figurines at the Ave Maria Grotto in Alabama.
Flickr user Rob Briscoe

Admire the figurines at the Ave Maria Grotto in Alabama.

15
Cower in fear at Dinosaur World in Kentucky.
Flickr user Peter Rivera

Cower in fear at Dinosaur World in Kentucky.

16
Ride roller coasters at Cedar Point in Ohio.
Flickr user peardg

Ride roller coasters at Cedar Point in Ohio.

17
Play on the Oregon Dunes.
Flickr user Michael Renfrow

Play on the Oregon Dunes.

18
Walk the grounds of the Marshall Point Lighthouse in Maine.
Flickr user Amstrong White

Walk the grounds of the Marshall Point Lighthouse in Maine.

19
Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas.
Flickr user ritesh3

Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas.

20
Marvel at the ocean in West Palm Beach, FL.
Flickr user Josiah Lau Photography

Marvel at the ocean in West Palm Beach, FL.

22
Watch cars race at the Kansas Speedway.
Flickr user Balaji

Watch cars race at the Kansas Speedway.

23
Creep through the Old Idaho State Penitentiary.
Flickr user DieselDemon

Creep through the Old Idaho State Penitentiary.

24
Camp in Glacier National Park in Montana.
Flickr user Jonathan C. Wheeler

Camp in Glacier National Park in Montana.

25
Gaze at nature in Custer State Park in South Dakota.
Unsplash | chimilphotos

Gaze at nature in Custer State Park in South Dakota.

26
Stroll through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA.
Flickr user Kim

Stroll through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA.