The United States is a great place with a vast array of scenery from mountains to plains to beaches. There are places among our 50 great states that are nearly uninhabitable yet have something special to offer whoever may visit. In my short 21 years, I have been blessed with opportunities to travel. So far, I have been able to visit 13 states, including the one I live in. In those times, I have been able to visit some amazing places that seemed as if they belonged in a fairytale. Views that could take your breath away, to sounds that could relieve every bit of stress from your body. There are five places that stood out to me as some of the most beautiful and unique places that I've ever seen. Take a long weekend from work and explore some of the amazing places in this land.
1. Trinidad Bay, California
Nestled on a hilltop overlooking a beautiful lighthouse, Trinidad Bay has its own unique culture and atmosphere. From the Trinidad Bay eatery, to the gift shops along the shore, a day in Trinidad Bay will do you good. A short drive up the coast will take you to a state park with campgrounds that will lead you to one of the best views on the coast. The towering peaks of the overlooking cliffs show the lurking danger the seashore entails, yet an afternoon spent on the shore will make you think you are in the scene of a fantasy novel. A bench on a hill offers the perfect view for a west coast sunset -- the perfect ending to a perfect day in Trinidad Bay.
2. San Antonio, Texas
The saying everything is bigger in Texas isn't completely false. The city of San Antonio offers a Texas-sized good time in many ways. The River Walk is one of the first attractions to tourists. Like a bustling street just below the city, it follows the San Antonio River and offers visitors everything from coffee and dining to shopping. A boat tour is also available to get a different view and a history lesson of the city just below the street. Also in San Antonio is the Alamo. As an American, the Alamo is a necessary visit to sharpen your history. For those horror buffs, the Emily Morgan Hotel is just across the road. A renovated hospital, the hotel boasts more than just rooms with views of the city. The hotel is also said to house a few freeloading guests -- the dead kind. Are you brave enough to try a night while you're there?
3. Fort Bragg, California
While on your trip along Highway 1, stop by Fort Bragg for the afternoon. In this cute little seaside town, there is camping, a glass beach, Point Cabrillo Light Station, and the location of the best burger west of the Mississippi River. The glass beach was the result of a landfill being created in the 1960s and pushing trash off the edge of a cliff into the ocean. The broken glass gets smoothed by the waves and washes up as sea glass. Although it is illegal to remove any glass, it creates a beautiful sight on the shore. After an evening here, stop by Jenny's Giant Burger to fill your empty stomach. You won't regret it.
4. Rodanthe, North Carolina
As seen in the Nicholas Sparks movie, "Nights in Rodanthe," this section of the outer banks of North Carolina seems fictional. The house "Serendipity" looks like an architectural wonder, and almost too mythical to believe. The house has been moved from its spot on the easternmost point of Rodanthe, but it is still only a couple of miles away. A drop by some of the local diners and restaurants offers some of the freshest seafood and a walk on the pier will not disappoint. Just make sure to go during the summer since most things close during the winter months. Even locals have to make special arrangements for groceries.
5. Point Reyes National Seashore
It takes more than 10 minutes driving from Highway 1 and over 300 steps to reach the Point Reyes Lighthouse, but it is worth every bit. The seashore is an uninhabited National Park that boasts a wide array of wildlife and scenery. The lighthouse is located on the very tip of the shoreline on a rocky ledge warning sailors of the danger that lies just ahead. Point Reyes is said to be the foggiest and windiest on the Pacific Coast, but don't let that stop you. The lighthouse has been standing since 1870, and families have lived on the Point up until 1975 manning the station. A view over the point causes pure awe and amazement and leaves the visitor shocked at the lighthouses ability to stand so many years in such a hard spot- pun intended.
