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Few natural wonders in the world can compare to the Grand Canyon. Yet there are more than a dozen other canyons and gorges in the United States that supporters and tourism officials tout as the “Grand Canyon of Maine,” or the Grand Canyon of the East,” etc. Visit one of these expecting a Grand Canyon-like experience and you’ll be sorely disappointed, but each of these pretenders has its own charms. We’ve picked out five of the best, any one of which might be just right for your next getaway this summer.

Cinema is an exceptionally dynamic art form, capable of generating intense degrees of fandom. For those who truly love a movie, the only way to adequately express that love is to watch it again and again. Or, they can visit the location where their favorite film was shot. Movie tourism is hardly a new phenomenon, but its popularity has grown in recent years, and for many people, standing where a director once yelled “cut” is more fun than watching the movie itself.

Millions of people will visit one of America’s national parks this year. For many, the typical visit involves arriving in the morning and leaving that afternoon. But that travel agenda misses a truly unique park environment, as these parks come alive at night, with nocturnal wildlife, incredible sunset vistas and ultra-dark skies full of constellations most city dwellers can’t even imagine. So this year, do yourself a favor and plan to spend a night (or two) in a national park. If you’re not the camping type, book an overnight stay in a cabin or a more luxurious park lodge. To motivate you to get this done, here’s a photo essay of stunning nighttime images from some of America’s most popular national parks. We’re not saying you’ll get the same results with your camera … but you’ll never know unless you try.

We don’t mean to put a damper on your future travel plans, but here’s a scary statistic: the U.S. State Department reports that around 2,500 Americans are arrested abroad each year. These figures don’t take into account the individuals who are assaulted, robbed or, worse, killed each year while overseas. All too often, U.S. tourists blunder into situations that seem perfectly harmless in America, but may land them in jail or a deadly situation in the country they’re visiting. But a little planning and learning about the culture and laws of your destination country — which you should want to do anyway —can help ensure that you don’t become statistic, and never have to make a desperate plea for help to a U.S. embassy.

There are few outdoor experiences that can rival taking a hike along a popular trail for the first time. Mix good exercise, great scenery, and the thrill of the unexpected and you can have fun on your own, or a nice bonding experience if you take the walk with family and/or friends. Here are five great hiking adventures in U.S. state parks, through five very different environments, that are sure to leave you with plenty of great memories, some cool photos — and maybe some sore legs for a day or two.

Many of the world’s oldest and most cherished structures are religious in nature. But for all the thousands of historic churches, synagogues, mosques and temples, it’s hard to match the mystique and allure of an ancient monastery. Take a look at these monasteries and you picture monks working by candlelight, studying ancient texts or rewriting old manuscripts in perfect calligraphy. The monasteries noted here are still active. They’re also open for tours, so you may well encounter monks following in the tradition established by their brothers a thousand or more years ago.

There are many legendary historic sites to explore in the U.S. But what’s the greatest travel destination for an American history buff? Is it a trip to Gettysburg? A visit to Philadelphia’s Independence Hall? During this spring and summer travel season, maybe it’s time to explore some of the most famous ships in U.S. Naval history. There’s usually some strenuous climbing and a good bit of walking involved — and if you’re claustrophobic, quit reading right now — but as you take these tours, it’s impossible not to think of the sailors who served in these cramped spaces, fighting epic battles that changed the course of America. Here, in no particular order, are five of the most legendary U.S. Navy vessels that are open for tours — and, if you’re extremely lucky, maybe a cruise.

A 33-year-old man from the UK, Graham Hughes, made headlines in early 2013 when he claimed a record-breaking feat of having traveled to more than 200 countries in the world without flying. The British traveler spent four years reaching his goal. Impressive, yes, but he’s certainly not the only person who has been bitten by the travel bug and spent years — not to mention a substantial sum of money — to achieve travel goals that would seem utterly unobtainable to most people. In fact, many unique clubs exist to not only recognize these ambitious travelers, but to encourage others to follow in their well-traveled footsteps.

When most people think of castles, they think of the Middle Ages, European lords, the Crusades, etc. Many castle lovers have trekked through Europe and the Middle East touring these grand structures from another era. Outside of the famous Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World, we don’t usually consider castles part of the American landscape. But there are hundreds of so-called castles scattered across the United States. Some are castles in name only, and are either huge mansions worthy of a visit in their own right, or tourist traps worth avoiding. But some of these structures have many of the elements of a great medieval castle, with the kind of appeal that inspires the history and architectural buff, shutterbug and romantic in all of us.

Many of the world’s capitals draw millions of tourists a year and are known even to schoolchildren: London, Paris, Rome, Washington, D.C., Moscow, Tokyo, etc. Beyond that, there are maybe two- or three-dozen other capitals you’ve undoubtedly heard of, cities like Lisbon, Seoul, Stockholm and Vienna. At the other end of the spectrum are the capitals that would stump even the most avid trivia buffs. And we’re not talking about a bunch of tiny capitals on Pacific island nations, either — some of these cities have more than 1 million residents. These capitals may be relatively obscure — at least in comparison to other world capitals — but they are all noteworthy. Some are havens for tourists; others are havens for terrorists. But they all are quite photogenic.

In case you missed the recent news, six new members have been selected for the Santa Claus Hall of Fame. Our first thought: Congratulations to all six, for enduring endless years of squirmy, often crying children sitting on their lap, all while wearing a hot suit and a scratchy fake beard. Our second thought: There’s a Santa Claus Hall of Fame? Are you serious? Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus Hall of Fame, as well as many other unusual halls of fame you’ve never heard of. Hey, every sport or profession has its Babe Ruth, its Michael Jordan, those who performed above and beyond the standard to bring glory to themselves and their occupation. That said, here are some of those legends and halls of fame you’ve probably never heard of.

The names and numbers strike fear into the hearts of commuters and travelers across the United States. The Dan Ryan Expressway. I-95. The 405. The Connector. For all the benefits the U.S. Interstate Highway System has brought since its inception in 1956, it’s also created traffic congestion the system’s original designers could never have imagined. And it may get worse. Traffic officials warn the 47,182-mile system is showing signs of severe stress. Tens of billions of dollars are needed just to maintain existing interstates and bridges, and countless more billions are needed to widen and/or improve existing interstates to keep up with growing traffic. Following is a look at the 10 busiest interstates in America, based on federal and state highway statistics and other sources.

December is great for those who love the holiday season, but it’s a cruel joke for those who love warm weather, hiking, biking, swimming, etc. It gets dark before you leave work. You get home from work and it feels like the middle of the night. It’s an especially bad time for the millions of people who are depressed to some degree by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). So it’s time to get away for a vacation to somewhere warmer, somewhere fun. … and somewhere that won’t kill your travel budget for next summer. You’ve undoubtedly heard about a few obvious warm-weather travel destinations for winter, such as Miami, Phoenix, Key West and Orlando. Here are a few you might not have considered.

The term “scenic byway” conjures images of two-lane road rolling through picturesque mountains, alongside sparkling rivers, or both. The U.S. Department of Transportation founded the National Scenic Byways Program in 1991 to publicize and help protect 150 byways in 46 states. You’ll find plenty of soaring mountain peaks, grand rivers, lush forests and other natural wonders along these byways — along with some more unusual environments, from other-worldly volcanic landscapes to rare grassland prairies to Louisiana wetlands. Here are five picturesque and intriguing scenic byways to consider the next time the urge for a road trip grabs you.

Few relics of American history have captivated the American imagination to the same degree as the legendary U.S. Route 66. Opened in 1926 and originally stretching a total of 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 played a role in the classic The Grapes of Wrath, was celebrated in songs, featured in a TV series, and alluded to in the animated movie Cars. The road earned a handful of nicknames, including the Main Street of America and the Mother Road.

The demise of Route 66 literally began the moment President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, launching construction of more than 40,000 miles of Interstate highway across the United States. As the years passed, interstates such as I-15, I-40, I-44, and I-55 began bypassing more and more stretches of Route 66. The highway was finally decommissioned in 1985. But even today, almost 30 years later, many Americans still love the road and the lore surrounding it. Tourists set off throughout the Midwest and West, cameras, maps and GPS in hand, searching out old sections of the famous highway. Here’s a look at some of the sights and events to be found along this lost but still beloved highway.

For the first 300-plus years of American history, rivers played an integral part in the country’s growth. Settlers and explorers ventured up and down rivers to discover new territory, and merchants floated products to market and harnessed the water to power early factories. As time went on, however, Americans took their rivers for granted. Industries dumped pollutants and cities and towns added raw sewage to these waterways, and government agencies built some ill-advised dams and levees that harmed the environment and led to catastrophic flooding. By the 1960s and 1970s, sentiments had changed, beginning with the 1968 passage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Still, that act today protects less than one-quarter of 1 percent of the country’s rivers and waterways; many U.S. rivers are still under threat from development, pollution, or invasive species. While these problems still exist, tourists, photographers, boaters and anglers can still enjoy these 10 scenic rivers in the United States.

Almost every preschooler in the U.S. hears the story of how the Pilgrims sailed to America on the Mayflower, landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620, and started the European colonization of the New World. It’s a great story … if only it were true. One part of the Pilgrim story that conveniently gets left out is that one of the Indians greeted them in English — and reportedly later asked for a beer — a sure sign the Pilgrims weren’t the first European settlers in the New World. By the time the Pilgrims set up shop, some English, French, Dutch and Spanish settlements had been around for many years. Although most of those settlements were later abandoned, a few are still thriving today. Here’s a look at five settlements, towns or cities that predate Plymouth Rock, all rich in history and worth a visit.

Anyone who’s ever visited Niagara Falls, Yosemite and a few other famous waterfalls in the United States probably has a personal list of their favorite falls. And countless travel magazines and websites have published lists of America’s most beautiful waterfalls. Beauty, of course, is in the eye of the beholder, so there’s really no way to quantify America’s most popular or most picturesque waterfalls … until now. Using Google’s popular Image Search feature, we entered several dozen of America’s most famous year-round falls and ranked the top 10 based on the number of Google search results. It’s not a perfect study, and some of the results were questionable (see the footnotes at the end of the story). Still, it’s a good starting point for a debate on America’s greatest waterfalls. Here are the 10 waterfalls that came out on top in the Google Image Search results.

Ask someone to name the most popular U.S. national park, and they’d probably name several candidates: Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Teton, Zion, etc. While those parks hold a cherished place in American lore and have been celebrated in films and books, in terms of annual attendance, they’re not even close to being the most popular national park area. The U.S. National Park Service administers almost 400 units nationwide, and many of these draw millions more visitors per year than some of the famous aforementioned national parks. Here’s a look at the top 10 U.S. national park units based on estimated attendance in 2011. No matter now well traveled you are, chances are you’ve never heard of some of these. Who knows? One of them might be a great destination for your next weekend getaway.

The Carolinas’ coastline is well known for treacherous currents and navigational dangers that challenge even the most experienced mariners. In fact, North Carolina’s Outer Banks region has been famously dubbed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” for the many ships and lives lost there through the years. Often, the only thing standing between these mariners and doom on the rocks was a brilliant light flashing from a lighthouse. Thanks to GPS and other modern navigational aids, lighthouses no longer play the same crucial role in shipping, and today many of these famous Carolinas lighthouses stand dark, serving only as iconic symbols of America’s past. With the travel season in full swing, here are 10 must-see lighthouses along the coast of the Carolinas.

The Civil War featured many historic battles whose names need no introduction. Gettysburg. Chickamauga. Antietam. Manassas. Shiloh. Those battles have been commemorated in books and movies, and the sites now draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Beyond that, there were a number of other battles and events that played a crucial role in the war, but they don’t have the name recognition or popularity of the aforementioned sites. Here’s a look at some historic sites or exhibits that are often overlooked by casual Civil War travelers.

The United States has many famous riverfront cities. Memphis, St. Louis and New Orleans rose to prominence thanks to their locations on the Mississippi. Kansas City sprawls across both sides of the Missouri River. New York, Boston and Chicago aren’t known primarily as riverfront cities, but have one or more rivers that are prominent in each city’s history and economy. And anyone who has ever watched a televised sporting event from Pittsburgh knows from the blimp-cam shots that the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet there to create the Ohio River. But there are a number of other American cities situated by famous and not-so-famous rivers that offer some fun options, from great waterfront restaurants and lodging to sublime greenways and sightseeing cruises. Here are five American cities that are not famous for their riverfronts … but maybe should be.

When it comes to outdoor tourism adventures in the United States, the national park system gets all the glory. Millions of visitors turn out each year to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Grand Canyon N.P., Yellowstone, Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia and other iconic sites. Even some of the more obscure national parks draw hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. Often overlooked by even veteran travelers are the thousands of state parks in the country, many featuring scenery that is just as breathtaking as famous national parks nearby.

With travel season approaching, here are 10 of the most scenic state parks in America, all of which offer abundant activities. We’ve left off many popular parks that you’ve probably already heard about or visited, such as Niagara Falls and Mount Washington state parks, to find some lesser-known gems.

While there are plenty of “travel” movies focusing on vacations gone bad, self-discovery and roughing it when you’d rather not, a rare few feature stunning vistas, exotic locales or strange cultures that exemplify the best of what travel is all about. Here are 10 of my favorite travel films that may just inspire you to ditch that annual trip to the beach next summer and instead book a trip to someplace more exciting.

When it comes to searching for lost cities, most explorers perform painstaking research followed by sometimes years of planning before starting their hunt. Good examples of this can be seen in the search for ancient Troy in modern-day Turkey, and Tikal in Guatemala. But some of the most famous lost cities were not found after years of methodical searches, but were instead uncovered by accident, by people who sometimes didn’t even realize what they had found. Here are five notable lost cities that were rediscovered by someone who just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Cruises are popular choices for travelers seeking maximum value in a packaged vacation experience. Incredible scenery, entertainment, shore excursions and great food and cocktail selections have enticed millions of travelers to book a cruise. Yet by some estimates, only 15 percent of Americans have ever taken a cruise, and industry executives admit that many people are turned off by several persistent misconceptions. Here are 5 common myths about cruises, and several compelling arguments why you should ignore them.

So you’ve been to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Sedona and Niagara Falls. You’ve also been to Yosemite, Acadia and so many of the other popular natural wonders in America, you’re now wondering, “What next?” Here are five often-overlooked natural wonders in the U.S. you may not have considered, or even heard about, that offer otherworldly beauty.

Fairy-tale castles in Bolzano, Italy, and along the German Romantic Road might be what most package tourists expect, but many travelers don’t realize the Middle East can hold its own when it comes to entertaining castle fans. That’s because many of the ancient Crusader castles built during the battles for control of the Holy Land are still standing throughout the region. Many are remarkably well preserved. Add to that the fact that many of them are situated in extremely picturesque locations in a part of the world considered by many to be sacred, and it’s easy to see why they’re very popular with tourists. Here are a handful of great structures to see when touring the Middle East.

We’ve all heard the stories of people staying up until the middle of the night to book a fare so phenomenally low it makes the national news. And while I’m certainly thrilled for those who manage to accomplish these minor miracles, most of us just want to get the best deal we can without very much stress. Here are five easy ways to save some money booking travel online.

There are more than 40,000 events listed on Festivals.com, with festivals held everywhere from an allegedly haunted former steel plant to a “holler” on the edge of the Smoky Mountains. Wherever the festival may be, there is some element of participation that draws us to these events, be it the chance to eat foods that you know should not be fried (ever), listen to live music or blow your money on carnival games. But the following fall festivals elevate the notion of “interaction” to a new level. Ingenuity, a sense of humor and, in at least one case, a prior penchant for jumping from high places is required.

It should come as no surprise that summer is the most popular time to take a scenic train ride in the United States, but many astute travelers have discovered the joys of booking a ride in the fall. While others battle heavy traffic on scenic parkways hoping to catch a glimpse of the spectacular changing foliage, those with the foresight to take the train can sit back and enjoy a meal, beverage and simply enjoy the view. Here are five of the best scenic train rides for fall in the United States. As for the prime dates to catch great fall foliage, links are available below to directly contact the railroads.

Ecotourism, or traveling to destinations in order to explore and enjoy the natural environment and wildlife, is increasing in popularity. If climbing Mount Everest or exploring Antarctica is a bit too hard-core for you, rest assured there are a myriad of other ecotourism destinations suitable for the average tourist. Here are five of note.

Total, utter desolation can be found in many spots around the world: Antarctica, many deserts, Siberia, Pacific islands. Yet even in the United States, you can find some very remote spots, far from the gas stations, Walmarts, and interstate highways that dot the landscape. Here are the top 10 most remote places in the contiguous United States, based on U.S. Census reports, anecdotal evidence, published reports, maps and my own personal travels. While it would be almost impossible to pick the exact GPS coordinates of the most remote spot within these areas, these general regions provide plenty of opportunity to get away from it all. You can visit all of these no-man’s lands, but be forewarned — if something goes wrong, you are on your own, with help hours or even days away.

There are many important spiritual pilgrimage sites around the world, far too many to tackle in a single article. Some of them are more picturesque than others, however, and I have narrowed the list to my five favorites. Each made the list for different, yet valid reasons, and each has something unique to offer the avid traveler.

The Southeastern United States covers a wide area ranging from the beautiful Appalachian Mountains to the clear-blue waters of southern Florida. There’s no shortage of tourist attractions in the region, including a number of fascinating alternatives to the more mainstream sites. Here are the five most unusual tourist attractions located in the Southeastern U.S.

Many people love the idea of camping as a frugal way to have some family fun and keep vacation costs under control. Most tourists probably associate the typical camping experience with a rural setting, so they may not realize that camping can be an affordable way to see some of the most expensive cities in the world. If checking out the Eiffel Tower, the Glockenspiel, Empire State Building or the British Museum tickles your fancy, then these five urban camping options might offer a chance to enjoy savings and a unique experience.

Tourists today have the luxury of exploring caves and caverns with multi-colored lighting, paved walkways, handrails and a tour guide who’s there to explain everything you need to know and make sure you don’t get into any trouble. Those luxuries weren’t available for the torch-carrying Native Americans, primitive miners and explorers who first entered the caves. Thanks to those brave souls, modern explorers are fairly spoiled, with a plethora of commercial caves and caverns that are fully furnished and open for tours. Even without knowing the history behind a cave’s discovery and exploration, the stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws and other eerie natural features make every cave tour a truly unique and interesting experience. Here are five of the best caves to visit in the United States.

Grand Canyon National Park, one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, receives more than 5 million visitors a year. It consists of the accessible and more commercial South Rim and the quieter and more isolated North Rim. Since most of the park’s activities are based on the South Rim, the amount of visitors during peak times can inundate the area and create congestion and gridlock. But these five tips can help minimize frustration and help you maximize the overall experience in what Theodore Roosevelt called “a natural landmark that every American should see.”

As a hobby, birding offers numerous spectacular photo ops on a budget you can brag about to your penny-pinching friends. Aside from minimal equipment, accommodations and trip fare, you can generally hike on your own or join a group for an affordable guided tour to a new area. While there are too many phenomenal birding destinations to cover in one article, I have rounded up five locations that are extremely popular with bird watchers.

When it comes to historic sites from America’s colonial period, names such as Philadelphia, Boston, Jamestown, and Williamsburg immediately come to mind. But scattered along the eastern United States are many important locations that are often overshadowed by the more popular tourist destinations. For colonial-American history buffs interested in something different, here are five historic sites off the beaten path. Each site offers self-guided and group tours provided by enthusiastic and knowledgeable members of historical societies. Best of all, the crowds are much smaller.

In 2007, more than 100 million people worldwide voted in a poll to determine the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” The Roman Colosseum, the Great Wall of China and five other famous sites made the list, pushing out the likes of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Colossus of Rhodes, which was easy to do considering only one of the original seven wonders (the Great Pyramid of Giza) still stands today.

Some of these new seven wonders (Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu) were formerly unofficially known as “Eighth Wonders of the World” before making the top seven. The world is a vast place, and plenty of natural and man-made wonders didn’t make the cut … but that puts them in the running for the best eighth wonder in the world.

Compared to other regions of the world, Central America is a relative newcomer in the business of mass tourism. This is not surprising since the region has seen more than its share of violence, civil war, political turmoil and instability. Unfortunately, its long history of negative news has inadvertently created several myths when it comes to travel, which can taint the thoughts of a visitor even before arriving in this beautiful and sometimes overlooked location. Here are five myths about travel in Central America.

When you think of deserts, the first thing that probably comes to mind for many is scorching heat, utter desolation and images of parched travelers crawling over a huge sand dune toward an imaginary oasis. Yet modern amenities such as sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicles, GPS units and air conditioning have turned even the most inhospitable deserts of yesteryear into potential vacation spots. Desert adventure tours have grown in popularity in recent years, offering travelers relatively inexpensive access to unique hiking, trekking, camping and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Of course, photography buffs and astronomers in search of dark skies can find plenty to be excited about as well. Here are five breathtaking deserts offering cool adventure tours.

Famous rocks have been part of the American experience since 1620, when the Pilgrims first established a colony at Plymouth Rock. Since then, notable rocks have served as route markers for America’s westward expansion, been used as movie props, provided giant canvases upon which to carve political and military leaders, and given us some interesting places to visit. Here are the 12 most famous rocks or rock formations in the United States.

With 2011 marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s start, many people are considering road trips to explore the history of some of the more prominent cities of the time, and to reflect on how we have changed as a nation since then. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that many of these cities have a current booming tourist scene. If you’re looking to combine a bit of history with your road trips this year, here are five former Confederate cities that offer perspective as well as entertainment.

Visually striking and just plain cool to say you’ve visited, volcanic lakes are a great vacation option for geology enthusiasts, photographers and waterfront family fun in general. For independent travelers, a little down time along the shores of one of these beauties can go a long way toward alleviating the travel fatigue that often frequents getaways taken on a backpacker’s budget.

While there are a number of volcanic lakes around the world worthy of a visit, these represent what I consider to be the most visually impressive. Here are five cool volcanic crater lakes worth checking out.

During the dawn of the nuclear age and the rise of the Cold War, it seemed as if every scientific or military facility in the United States was classified as “Top Secret.” Over time, many of the locations were decommissioned and opened to the public for tours. Some facilities no longer needed by the government now stand as a testament to a bygone era while others have adapted to the ever-changing needs of the post-9/11 world. Here are 10 once top-secret facilities in the United States now open to tourists.

The Southwestern United States is known for its fascinating accounts of the “Old West” as well as some of the country’s most popular natural landmarks. But there are also attractions that offer visitors an alternative to the more mainstream locations. Some attractions are so unusual that many people question why they were even built in the first place, which only makes these attractions that much more special. These are the Top 10 unusual tourist attractions in the Southwestern United States.

Before the modern age of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and radar, lighthouses were once the difference between life and death for the maritime industry. In Maine, more than 60 lighthouses of all shapes and sizes are scattered along the coast and their bright beacons still warn ships of impending danger. Today, many of these historic landmarks offer visitors a glimpse into the drama and romance of their historic pasts. These are the top 10 lighthouses that every visitor should see when in Maine.

If you’ve seen more than a few of the state capitol buildings in the United States, you realize their resemblance to a certain building in Washington, D.C., is not a coincidence. More than half of the state capitols borrowed liberally from the design of our nation’s capitol. Extensive use of granite and marble? Check. Columns? Check. Of course, many feature the obligatory dome on top, a design element also found on hundreds of county courthouses throughout the country.

Yet some state capitol architects boldly produced different designs, whether due to budget issues, time constraints or a sense of adventure. Here are the Top 5 unusual state capitols.

Many tour books or travel websites highlight the jewels of the United States National Park system: Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Acadia, Zion, etc. Those parks are extremely popular, drawing millions of visitors each year. Yet the park system has 58 national parks. Some boast scenery and activities almost as compelling as the aforementioned titans, yet they draw relatively few visitors. Based on my own experiences at these parks, and using National Park Service visitation figures for 2009, here are the top 10 national parks people overlook.

The United States is a land of great geographic diversity, home to jagged mountain ranges, lush forests, awe-inspiring rivers and desert and prairie landscapes. Almost everyone who has a driver’s license has dreamed of someday taking a road trip to take in these sights.

As someone who’s traveled all over America and taken almost every possible scenic route along the way, here’s my version of the top 10 most scenic drives in the United States.