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New York City captivates with its diverse culture and iconic landmarks, offering unique experiences on its bustling streets and boroughs. White Sands National Park in New Mexico, the world's largest gypsum sand dune, offers surreal, dreamy landscapes perfect for exploration and meditation. The untouched beauty, Northern Lights, and unique natural wonders of Alaska make it a must-visit state for life-changing experiences in the United States.
You may wonder what makes a travel destination truly life-changing? Is it because it's otherworldly enough to captivate you? Or is it because it's beautiful and enjoyable enough to leave travelers with lasting memories? Either way, the United States has places and destinations that go beyond mere travel to change your life.
Some cities lure visitors with tranquil landscapes filled with natural wonders that are World Heritage sites, while others have vibrant streets and cutting-edge buildings that command attention, making them world-famous. Visiting these life-changing places keeps travelers from falling into a travel rut of touring the same beach towns and nearby parks year after year.
From surreal American locations to vibrant cities, these life-changing American destinations are worth visiting at least once.
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7. New York City, New York
A vibrant city that attracts millions of travelers – featuring diverse cultures, iconic landmarks and vibrant energy
“Now you're in New York, these streets make you feel brand new, these big lights inspire you…” These iconic lyrics from Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' classic song, “Empire State of Mind,” sum up the magnetic charm and grandeur of the Big Apple. One of the most visited cities in the United States, New York City is a life-changing destination in the US, with a unique energy, personality and experiences worth witnessing within its streets and boroughs.
New York's top attractions include the Empire State Building, Central Park and Times Square, the latter of which has over 213,000 reviews on Google Maps. This enchanting spot is home to vibrant theaters, iconic hotels, music venues and brightly lit digital billboards, where TikTok influencers with millions of followers appear on the billboards to show off their celebratory moments.
6. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
A breathtaking national park featuring the world's largest field of gypsum sand dunes
White Sands National Park is a place that will make you feel like you've entered a dream world. This unique park in New Mexico boasts one of the world's largest collections of gypsum dunes, covering approximately 275 square miles of the Chihuahuan Desert. The surreal beauty of the shining white sand with its undulating structure under clear blue skies creates an otherworldly landscape perfect for exploration and meditation.
The stark contrast between the sand dunes and the surrounding desert enhances the park's stunning scenery. Additionally, the dunes are emblematic of the park's unique natural features and ecosystems, supporting over 800 animal species that thrive in the seemingly harsh yet beautiful environment. Visitors come to the park to enjoy hiking, backcountry camping, and watch the breathtaking sunsets, transforming the landscape into a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
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5. Alaska
The largest state in the USA, it boasts numerous natural wonders (and is also a great place to see the Northern Lights)
Although many people have gone missing in the Alaskan Triangle and many conspiracy theories abound, Alaska's otherworldly beauty remains. Imagine a state with the most beautiful Northern Lights, pristine national parks with rare natural wonders, and strange things that only exist in Alaska and nowhere else. Without a doubt, this last frontier state deserves to be on the list of life-changing travel destinations in the USA.
Denali National Park, Anchorage (the cultural capital of the state), and Kenai Fjords National Park are some of the best places to visit in Alaska. Even better, Alaska's best hiking trails further prove why the state leaves travelers with unforgettable memories that give them a new perspective on America.
4. Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
With salt-covered terrain as far as the eye can see, it's one of the most iconic spots in the USA.
The Bonneville Salt Flats is a must-visit destination in Utah for anyone looking for a thrilling experience in a unique and picturesque setting. These vast, otherworldly, snow-white salt flats span over 30,000 acres, creating an exquisite mirror-like surface that reflects the blue sky. The surreal beauty of the salt flats, especially at sunrise and sunset, evokes the feeling of stepping into a fantasy world.
On hot days, mirages stretch as far as the eye can see, making the plains appear as if they were covered in water. Adventurers enjoy the best views from rest stops along I-80, where they can admire the vastness of the salt flats stretching out in all directions.
The salt flats also host a variety of events, including incredible speed trials, adding a cultural element to this life-changing destination.
Best Time to Visit
free
Admission fee
Although it's summer, tourists should be aware that temperatures can be high during the first week of August at Bonneville International Speedway.
3 Antelope Canyon, Arizona
The most photographed water-eroded canyon in the southwestern United States
Antelope Canyon is known as one of the most life-changing and photographed places in the United States due to its unparalleled beauty. Located in Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, the canyon features narrow passageways and stunning wave-like rock formations formed by centuries of erosion. The canyon's unique structure allows light to filter in from different angles, creating ethereal beams that illuminate the vibrant red and orange hues of the surrounding sandstone walls.
This surreal setting creates otherworldly sights and experiences for photography and nature enthusiasts, plus travelers will be in awe as they explore the slot canyon's winding paths along 6.5 miles of trails while hearing insights from guides about its cultural significance.
Best Time to Visit
Prices range from $50 to $110 depending on the tour company.
Admission fee
The weather is pleasant in spring and autumn
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2. Walt Disney World Resort (Florida)
“The Most Magical Place on Earth” is packed with creative rides and interactive experiences
Located about 20 miles from Orlando is the world's most visited vacation resort, Walt Disney World Resort, which attracts approximately 58 million visitors annually. This world-famous entertainment complex features two water parks, four theme parks, more than 25 themed hotels, and other recreational attractions that will enchant your guests.
The sheer scale of human creativity seen in attractions like Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth at Epcot, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge prove why Disney World is such a magical place and worth visiting. Tourists should allow at least five days to immerse themselves in the fairytale magic of this life-changing destination. There is a fee, but the experience is worth every penny.
Best Time to Visit
January, February, mid- and late August, September (less crowded periods)
Admission fee
Prices vary
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
One of the world's great geological phenomena that offers tourists a sense of natural wonder
The Grand Canyon is arguably one of the most iconic natural wonders on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sheer size of the canyon and colorful rock formations carved by the Colorado River over millions of years present an ancient landscape that leaves visitors in awe.
Adventurous types can explore this magnificent wonder by embarking on a day hike along the Bright Angel Trail, which takes you deep into the canyon, while for those looking to enjoy awe-inspiring views of the canyon without too much effort, there are six lookout points along Desert View Drive.
In addition to its stunning scenery, the Grand Canyon offers a rich cultural experience as it is home to 11 Native American tribes. Visitors can gain insight into the tribal communities of Grand Canyon National Park by exploring the Tusayan Pueblo and Museum, which contains the ruins of an ancestral Pueblo village. Additionally, many strange objects have been found in the Grand Canyon, adding to its mystical beauty.
Best Time to Visit
March to May and September to November are cooler and less crowded (summer is the busiest season).
Admission fee
Standard admission tickets range from $20 to $35
