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I second the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Quebec City, and add Toronto.
We have visited many of the Parks and lovely places throughout the US, while growing up, and later as adults and parents ourselves,
and some of the most memorable ones we enjoyed were Sequoia National Forest, Santa Fe National Trail, Carlsbad Caverns, Glacier National Park,
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Black Hills South Dakota, Niagara Falls, the beaches of Marco Island, Sanibel Island, Florida and Panama City, Florida.
The Haleakala National Park, Hawaii, Denali National Park, Alaska, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming and Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Visiting Costa Rica, is a wonderful must see, as well.
The land, the nature and wildlife, every different type of beauty
is found there.
(While we have been to all of the above places and more, one place we have not been that would be on my Bucket List, would be Australia!)
Grand Canyon and Yosemite are breathtaking, that's for sure. For me, walking among the coast redwoods along California's northcoast is incredible. I wish I could put into words how absolutely refreshing and "life juvenating" a short one mile hike through those living giants can be.
Other BL qualifiers-in no particular order:
The cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado are a must see.
Your first glimpse of the cobalt blue Lake Tahoe after overcoming the crest of the Sierras on Highway 50 is unforgettable.
Sedona, Arizona has a beauty and "mystique" that I've not felt anywhere else-and I'm not your typical "crystal rubbing" type either.
Stone Mountain State Park in Georgia is not to be missed-a huge chunk of granite that appears like an rock island poking up 700 feet amid a lush "sea" of hardwood trees.
I'm a bit of a history buff, so I must include at least one Civil War battlefield National Historic Park. I've only been to three, so I have to opt for my favorite-Vicksburg MS. If you don't feel a chill run up your spine when you walk through there you have no emotions. Also, if you get a chance, stay at a casino hotel right on the Mississippi River and watch the barge traffic early the next morning.
Golden Gate Bridge, CA. This is another one where you'll never forget your first peek at it if you come toward SF from Marin County and pass thru the tunnel and WHAM! all of the sudden you come out and there it is in all its incredible architectural glory, likely partially shrouded in fog, for your eyes and soul to absorb.
Washington DC and the monuments therein-Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington and the numerous museums of the Smithsonian. Arlington National Cemetery is a must see as well-don't miss the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
One thing to remember about places that are "spoiled by tourists."
The tourists are there for a reason. That is why those places might be on their bucket lists.
The other thing to remember:
We are ALL tourists.
The cool thing to do is to remember the Golden Rule and act accordingly.
If you are respectful and kind, karma will probably go well with you on your journey.
The other cool thing to do is to find your own special place that few people know about.
It's probably not going to be listed on a messageboard, but you never know.
One of the most memorable moments of my life: My wife had never been to the Grand Canyon (even though she's traveled widely), so I blind folded her and walked her to the edge of the canyon, and then revealed the view. It's so incredibly beautiful and vast, that we both shed a tear at that point.
YES! Wife and I watched the sunrise one morning at Mather Point on the South Rim. The awesome pictures we made don't even do it justice!
I've been to SO many awesome places around the world, so my list would be VERY long. But one place, off the beaten path, was really neat: The Monasterio de Piedre. It's a monestary about halfway between Madrid and Zaragoza, Spain. It's got an awesome array of ponds, lakes and waterfalls on the property. LOVED it!
Yachats Oregon and the southern Oregon coastline beats most things I have seen.
That's why I camp near Brookings, Oregon at the south coast, and explore the redwoods at California's north coast. I like Gold Beach and Yachats too. Cannon Beach is a fun gift and craft shopping place too.
Part of my choice leans strongly toward enjoying cool coastal climates.
Some folks may prefer hot sunny beaches. But I've spent most of my life by the west coast with all the fog, ferns and beaches.
well, the current tough economic times won't help here, but I must say, seeing a show at the Sydney Opera House was amazing!! I spent 6 weeks in Australia and no matter how many times I went past that place I couldn't help take pictures and marvel at it.
We saw the ballet "Sleeping Beauty". Truly amazing!
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlohaMarie
With the current economy, we are trying to be even more careful with our travel $$$. I was wondering if you could share a place you have been that, in your opinion, is a must see.
There is also stuff in Washington D.C. that would be a must-see from my point of view.
But what each person chooses there would vary.
I'd go back again, but once was enough if that's all I can do. But it was very memorable, because of all the history there.
Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills and Rocky Mountains of Montana were impressive, but I'm not sure if I'd say they are a must-see.
I think the west coast forests are a must see - some of the finest.
Someone mentioned Quebec, and I'd suggest putting some part of Canada on a must-see list. I've mainly been in Ontario and British Columbia. And for someone who likes outdoors or historical stuff, some part of Canada is going to fit their liking. It could be the Buchart Garden.
Location: Just transplanted to FL from the N GA mountains
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My favorite all-time -- Sting Ray City - Grand Cayman. There is just something about being in the water with these magnificent creatures....
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