5 Unforgettable USA Travel Experiences You’ll Regret Not Doing in 2025 

Ready to upgrade your 2025 travel list?
If you’ve been craving fresh air, wide-open spaces, and awe-inspiring moments, these U.S. experiences will blow your mind — no passport required. From ice castles that look like they’re carved from dreams to the most iconic movie-worthy views in America, this list is all about travel moments you’ll remember for life.

Here’s our once-in-a-lifetime USA travel series and trust us, you’ll want to do all five.

1. Visit the Magical Ice Castles

Imagine walking through glowing tunnels made entirely of ice, sliding down frozen chutes, and snapping photos inside a real-life snow kingdom. The Ice Castles are built from scratch every winter using icicles and lights — and they feel like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
    •    Where: Utah, New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
    •    When: January to March (dates vary by location)
    •    Closest to California: Midway, Utah (2-hour flight from L.A. to Salt Lake City) — open now!

Pro tip: Go both in daylight and at night to fully experience the frozen magic.

2. Walk Through the Most Beautiful Tree Tunnel in the U.S.

Wormsloe Historic Site in Savannah, Georgia, is home to a stunning avenue lined with centuries-old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful perfect for a quiet morning walk or jaw-dropping travel photos.
    •    When to visit: Open year-round

Pro tip: Mornings are ideal for soft golden light and fewer crowds.

3. Stand at Forrest Gump Point in Monument Valley

This cinematic desert view — where Forrest famously stopped running offers one of the most iconic photo ops in the U.S. Monument Valley’s red-rock monoliths feel otherworldly, and you’ll quickly see why it’s been featured in countless Westerns.
    •    Location: Arizona–Utah border
    •    Best time to visit: Spring and fall (mild temps, clear skies)

Pro tip: Drive the 17-mile scenic loop through Monument Valley for panoramic views. The road’s unpaved but manageable.

4. Hike the Trail of Ten Falls in Oregon

Located in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, this trail takes you behind and in front of ten stunning waterfalls a rare experience you won’t get in most places. It’s like stepping into a fantasy forest, especially during the lush spring months.
    •    Best time to visit: Spring (for powerful waterfalls and blooming greenery)

Pro tip: Bring waterproof gear. The trail is muddy, misty, and unforgettable.

5. Watch the Northern Lights Dance Over Alaska

No travel list is complete without the aurora borealis. In Fairbanks, Alaska, the northern lights regularly light up the night sky from late August through April and it’s one of the best places on Earth to catch them. The sheer beauty will stop you in your tracks.
    •    Where: Fairbanks, Alaska
    •    Best time to visit: February to March (for peak aurora activity and clearer skies)

Pro tip: Book a stay in a glass-roofed cabin or aurora-viewing lodge for the full experience no freezing required.

Whether you’re into frozen castles or fiery skies, there’s no shortage of unforgettable adventures right here in the U.S. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences deserve a spot on your 2025 list because some moments really are too epic to miss.

Which one will you do first?
Drop your favorite in the comments and don’t forget to share this list with your fellow adventurers.