I've driven through 49 states. Here's the most incredible spot in each region of the US.
I drove cross-country for a year and saw wildly beautiful places in each region of the US.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore wowed me in the Midwest, and I loved the Everglades in Florida.
Maryland's Assateague Island National Seashore was a beautiful place to enjoy nature.
When I spent a year driving across the country and living out of a pickup truck, I saw firsthand how each region of the United States has its own distinct flair, history, and geography.
As I explored 49 states, I found myself drawn to unique landscapes and wildlife that I couldn't find anywhere else in the world. I was shocked to find many places that felt remote, wild, and special without having to leave the country.
Here's a standout spot from each region of the US that I visited.
Mid-Atlantic: Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore is minutes from Maryland's famous resort town Ocean City, but it feels lifetimes away from civilization.
The coastal national park is especially famous for its wild horses — I spent a weekend hiking 26 miles round-trip on this beach and saw tons of them.
Even visitors who don't hike as I did may be able to spot horses from beaches that are somewhat easy to access along the main road through the park.
Camping on the island is an immersive experience that can be done in the backcountry, at walk-in or drive-in sites, or with an RV.
Midwest: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Michigan's Upper Peninsula looks unreal in and of itself, with its beautiful landscape complete with multicolored rocks and cliffs.
A highlight of it, though, is the otherworldly Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Its water is blue and lively, and waterfalls pepper the park like jewels. The cliffs rising out of Lake Superior are stunning.
In the fall, wandering through the park's vibrant foliage will make you feel like you're walking in a painting.
South: Everglades National Park
South Florida's Everglades National Park is one of the largest national parks in the Lower 48.
Although some believe it's just a swamp filled with gators, it's actually an immense 1.5-million-acre park filled with wonder I haven't found anywhere else.
Bioluminescent algae come alive at night, mangroves make channels for canoe trips that feel like magic, and dirt roads lead to waterways with abundant fishing opportunities and picturesque sunsets.
It's filled with tropical wilderness and is home to endangered, rare species, from Florida panthers to manatees, too.
Mountain West: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park rightfully gets a lot of hype for its geological features, like its active geysers and hot springs. I also think it's the best place to see wildlife in the Lower 48.
During the three months I spent living in Yellowstone, I saw grizzlies, wolves, eagles, moose, elk, pronghorns, black bears, badgers, and falcons on a regular basis. Honestly, three months still isn't enough time to see the park — I'm not sure a lifetime would be.
That said, the park is still worth seeing for any amount of time and in any capacity.
Pacific West: Santa Cruz in Channel Islands National Park
California's Channel Islands National Park isn't called "the Galapagos of North America" for nothing. The unique park consists of five islands, and my favorite is Santa Cruz.
First of all, the ferry ride from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz is spectacular. On my trip, I saw a megapod of dolphins, humpback whales, and sea lions. Even just the view of the islands coming out of the ocean blew me away.
Santa Cruz is mostly uninhabited and is home to many unique species, like the beautiful island scrub-jay. Also, keep an eye out for the native island fox, a tiny cutie that may take your lunch if you leave it out.
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