Off the Beaten Path – U.S. Sites

Fort Jefferson is no longer in use and is currently part of the Dry Tortugas National Park. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I have been to a lot of  “must see” U.S destinations. From the packed streets of Time Square, to the craziness of the Las Vegas strip, to the wallet draining Walt Disney World, I have seen, conquered, experienced, and spent my way through all those and more. But there are a few cool U.S destinations that you may not see on top 10 lists that should be experienced. My three top selections include:

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Hawaii is a well-known tourist destination but the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park displays the results of at least 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution in the Hawaiian Island. Mauna Loa’s summit rises 4169m above sea level but continues for another 5000m to the ocean bed, making it higher than Mt Everest. With black-sand beaches, ancient lava tubes and pyroclastic flows waiting to be discovered, this is one national park that you don’t want to miss.

Dry Tortugas, Florida
The Dry Tortugas are a small group of islands located at the end of the Florida Keys. Here you will find a mix of marine life and military history. This destination harbors some of the healthiest coral reefs remaining off North American shores, and encompasses an enormous sea fortress. Scattered around the seven coral-reef islands are shipwrecks steeped in piratical history and nearly 300 species of birds. Whether you find yourself camping, snorkeling, bird watching, fishing, or just enjoying a view from the top of the massive Fort Jefferson– you will quickly realize how magical this place can be.

Taos Pueblo, N.M
Taos Pueblo in northern New Mexico is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark; containing the largest collection of multi-story pueblo dwellings in the country. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years and some of the 2,000 Tiwa-speaking people who live on an adjacent reservation continue to use this six-century-old settlement for ceremonial rites. You can also experience local artists and vendors selling items made with specific techniques passed down from generation to generation. The Taos Pueblo will provide an uncommon insight into the culture of the first Americans.

I hope you will get to check out some of these great destinations, and if you do, drop me a line and tell me how it went. Happy Travels!