Pack Your Bags
Arlington National Cemetery
If heading to a graveyard doesn’t sound like your idea of a bucket-list destination, you might want to rethink that. Since 1864, the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia has been the resting place of our nation’s biggest heroes, including President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie Kennedy, Thurgood Marshall and Grace Hopper. Visitors can view the famed Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as take guided tours through the cemetery’s historic grounds.
Assateague Island
This 37-mile-long island belongs to two states—Maryland and Virginia—and is the home to more than 300 wild horses. Not only can visitors behold breathtaking beaches and beautiful horses, but the island is also home to more than 320 protected species of migrant birds that seek shelter there each year. With soft, white sand, pristine water and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, it’s no wonder Assateague Island is considered one of the most beautiful beach getaways on the East Coast.
Boston Freedom Trail
Boston is an amazing bucket-list vacation destination on its own, but while you’re there, make sure to venture out on the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail to learn about the history of the American Revolution. The trail is a wonderful way to explore 17 historic sites, including where the Boston Massacre took place, the Paul Revere House and the Bunker Hill Monument. What makes the trail even more interesting are the tour guides, who share the story of 18th-century Boston while dressed in period costumes.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Located in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most uniquely beautiful places in the entire U.S. Featuring thousands of sandstone “hoodoos” (rock pinnacles), this earthy crimson landscape offers adventurous travelers a chance to explore the various natural amphitheaters, hiking trails and forests while learning about the amazing Native American history of the Legend People who once inhabited the lands.
Central Park
There’s a reason this famed park, located in the center of New York City, is so universally loved by residents and visitors alike: It’s absolutely beautiful. First built in 1857, Central Park today offers a plethora of outdoor recreation, including a carousel, zoo and numerous live performances. For history buffs, the park also has a well-documented dark past to explore, including the destruction of a thriving black settlement known as Seneca Village.
Chinatown (San Francisco)
There are many Chinatowns in the U.S., but none come close to the splendor of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Lured to California by the Gold Rush, Chinese immigrants arrived in the mid-19th century and, due to being forced into ethnically separated villages, found a community among each other. Today, Chinatown is a lively, fragrant hub of Chinese culture, featuring endless shops, restaurants and attractions to transport visitors to China without needing a passport.
