Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-timer, sometimes finding new destinations to visit can be difficult. Maybe you’ve been doing this awhile and have already crossed many “must-see” spots off your list. Or maybe you’re just starting out and you’re not entirely sure where to begin. Either way, we hope we can inspire you a bit today!
Here are 5 destinations across the country that we recommend visiting (some are booked out pretty far though - so you may have to add them to next summer’s itinerary).
1. BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Perhaps most famous for its lighthouses (of which there are plenty near Bar Harbor), Maine also boasts some of the most idyllic spots to visit in all of the US - and Bar Harbor may take the cake among them. This beautiful little town was founded in 1763 and overlooks Maine’s Frenchman Bay. Its real claim to fame, however, is that it serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, which has potentially some of the most breathtaking views in all of North America. Seriously - if you haven’t been here, it needs to be added to your list pronto.
The one downside is the fact that we’re talking about Maine here - so it does get pretty cold in the winter (the combined average temp from September through May is only 38 degrees over the last 10 years). This is definitely a spot that’s best to enjoy during the summer months.
2. REDWOODS, CALIFORNIA/GULF SHORES, ALABAMA
We have an either/or here because we realize that both of these regions (California and the Deep South) are not everyone’s cup of tea. So, treat this second spot on the list as a kind of choose-your-own-adventure. Regardless of how you feel about either one though, both spots have merit to be here.
California’s Redwood forests are world-renowned - and with good reason. Standing beside any one of these trees gives you an incredible perspective on the world. As an added bonus, they help to keep this area nice and temperate, even during the summer months. There’s tons of fishing, camping, and hiking nearby too - so, once you’re done taking in the towering sights of the forest, you can relax and explore the area a bit.
Gulf Shores is situated right on the Gulf of Mexico in southern Alabama. It does get pretty hot and humid here during the summer, but its beaches more than make up for it. This has become an extremely popular spot with RVers over the last few years due to how RV-friendly it is - so, if you’re looking for a place to kick your feet up and stay awhile, this may be your spot.
3. NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK
Niagara is one of those places that’s so famous and so prevalent it really doesn’t need much in the way of an introduction/pitch. It’s already on most peoples’ bucket lists - but if it’s not on yours yet, make sure it finds its way there!
This is another spot on the list where we can deal with some pretty extreme cold in the off-season months, so make sure to plan accordingly!
4. PARK CITY, UTAH
This choice may seem a little out-of-place on this list at first blush - but the closer you look, the more it makes sense. Located in our sister state of Utah, Park City is the epitome of balance. It’s much like Colorado in the sense that it’s extremely temperate in the summer - not too hot and not too cold (with almost no wild weather shifts). There’s tons of hiking and sightseeing in the area, along with some of the best fly fishing spots for hundreds of miles around. And, for the foodies out there, Park City is also known for having some great dining options. You can even visit the Olympic facility while you’re in town! (Where else can you go bobsledding in the summer?)
5. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA
We probably sound like a broken record at this point - but this is another spot in the US with absolutely jaw-dropping views. Situated right near the US/Canadian border in Montana, this almost 1,600 sq. mile wilderness area gets its name from the numerous glaciers and glacier-carved mountains peppered across it. One of its most impressive formations is a pair of peaks jointly referred to as the “Crown of the Continent”. There are many other spots worth visiting here as well, such as the picturesque Hidden Lake and Going-to-the-Sun road. Wildlife is plentiful and diverse, as are the activities - popular ones include hiking, cycling, and backpacking.
The only real drawback to Glacier is the same as several other spots on this list: Its winter weather. You have 2 - maybe 3 - good months out of the year to visit before things turn really ugly really fast. Additionally, this is probably the most remote of all the places we’ve looked at - meaning its not fun to get stuck up here. Make sure to double-check your RV and all of your equipment before venturing into the Park, and always make sure to bring plenty of food, water, and first-aid necessities if you plan on doing any strenuous or semi-strenuous physical activity.
CONCLUSION
It’s easy to take for granted the sheer number of incredible places all around us. This list is by no means exhaustive, but hopefully it gives you some ideas when planning your next big trip. And, no matter where you go, we’d love to be a part of your adventure! Make sure to tag us on social media - we always love checking out your photos from the road.
In the meantime, happy RVing!
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